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Update 12/19/2022 17:00 hours:
The Kelso Police Department Officer Involved Shooting (OIS) investigation from 12/17/2022, referenced in the original release press release included below, is being conducted by the Southwest Washington Independent Investigative Response Team (SWIIRT).
SWIIRT is comprised of agencies in Clark County, including the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, Vancouver Police Department, Battle Ground Police Department, Camas Police Department, and Washougal Police Department. In compliance with WAC 139-12, Kelso Police Department personnel will not be involved in this investigation.
The Clark County Sheriff’s Office is the lead investigative agency, with assistance from Vancouver Police Department and Camas Police Department, for this incident. All future communications will be sent via the Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
The subject in this incident has been identified as Joseph R. Coons, 38, of Longview, WA. Coons was transported to a regional trauma center after the incident. Coons later died at the hospital. The Multnomah County Medical Examiner will be conducting an autopsy on Coons.
Following standard protocol, the involved officer was placed on critical incident leave. SWIIRT will release the name of the Kelso Police Department officer involved in this incident after they have been interviewed by SWIIRT.
This is an active and ongoing investigation.
OFFICER INVOLVED SHOOTING
News Release from Kelso Police Department
Posted on FlashAlert: December 18th, 2022 5:13 AM
On 12/17/2022 at approximately 11:55pm the Longview Police Department received a call from 2400 block of Mulberry Avenue that a male subject was armed with a gun at that location. He was further reported to be suicidal and homicidal with his wife and children inside. The Longview Police Department requested mutual aid from neighboring agencies and attempted contact with the suspect. A Kelso Police Officer did respond and was involved in a shooting with the suspect. At the time of this press release the suspect was alive but had been transported to the hospital. No law enforcement personnel or other civilians were injured.
The Clark County Major Crimes Team responded and has begun an independent investigation. There is no further details at this time. Any further press releases or media inquiries will be through the Clark County Major Crimes Team.