Spokane Prosecutor Clears Deputies in Justified Shootings

The Spokane County Prosecutor has concluded that Sheriff’s Deputies Ashley Hood and Kyle Leavenworth acted within their rights when they used lethal force against Michael L. Dingman on December 10, 2021, near 5202 E. Bigelow Gulch Road. As a result, no criminal charges will be filed against them. In a related development, a separate investigation found that the actions of several Spokane Police Officers during a shooting on January 31, 2024, were also justified.

This group included officers such as William Braten and Michael Brunner, who were involved in the incident. The prosecutor's decisions are significant, shedding light on the legal standards applied to police use of force and the complexities surrounding accountability in law enforcement. These rulings may have lasting implications for community relations and public trust in law enforcement. As scrutiny of police practices continues, these findings will likely contribute to ongoing discussions about the balance between public safety and accountability. The outcomes also underscore the importance of transparent investigations into police conduct.