A24-21484 September 27, 2024 Officer Involved Shooting - Vancouver, WA (Photo) - 10/03/24
LOWER COLUMBIA MAJOR CRIMES TEAM
A24-21484
Officer Involved Shooting Investigation – Vancouver, Washington
October 3, 2024
On the morning of September 27, 2024, the Lower Columbia Major Crimes Team (LCMCT) was activated at the request of the Clark County Sheriff’s Office for an officer-involved shooting incident. The shooting occurred at approximately 0236 hours in the 5400 block of NE 71st St in Vancouver. LCMCT investigators responded and assumed command over the investigation as an Independent Investigation Team per WAC 139.12.
LCMCT investigators learned that the Clark County Sheriff’s Office responded to a report of a neighborhood dispute involving an armed subject. While deputies were on scene, the subject reportedly fired a high-caliber rifle at law enforcement officers, with multiple shots hitting an occupied armored vehicle. The ballistic-rated windshield of the armored vehicle took a direct hit, severely compromising the windshield and endangering the six law enforcement officers inside.
At about 0236 hours, the subject was reportedly observed near the rear door of his residence with a rifle in hand and appeared to be targeting officers on scene. A Vancouver police officer assigned to the Southwest Washington Regional SWAT Team fired one round at this time, striking the subject. The subject, identified as 56-year-old Michael D. Williams, was pronounced deceased at the scene. An autopsy was conducted by the Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office on October 3, 2024.
LCMCT investigators have interviewed numerous witnesses in the neighborhood and are reviewing body-worn camera video, Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) video, dash camera video and video from neighboring residences. LCMCT has received reports from witness officers and deputies. A family liaison and two non-law enforcement community representatives have been assigned to the investigation. The involved officer serves with the Vancouver Police Department and has been placed on critical incident leave per department protocol.
No further details are available for release at this time.
Troy Brightbill
Chief Criminal Deputy / Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office
Commander / Lower Columbia Major Crimes Team
