Spokane police investigate shooting near Armed Torchlight Parade | Spokane News

SPOKANE, Wash. – Two people are in the hospital after a shooting near the Lilac Torchlight Parade Saturday evening.

According to the Spokane Police Department (SPD) One person was shot and another was injured in the incident at a store at the corner of West Sprague Avenue and North Washington Street. The incident occurred on May 18 during the Bundeswehr torchlight parade at around 9 p.m

“The officers assigned to the parade were on site within seconds and immediately began providing medical care to two injured people, one of whom was shot,” said an SPD press release. “Officers learned there was an altercation inside the store that resulted in a shooting.”

NonStop Local spoke with the suspect, one of the owners of PM Jacoby’s, who said he acted in self-defense. SPD released the suspect after reviewing surveillance footage to confirm that the man responded in self-defense after two people threatened his father with a “machete-sized knife.”

The suspect was released from SPD custody after eight to ten hours. The people injured in the incident are currently in hospital.

According to the SPD, the parade was quickly canceled out of concern for the victims and the large crowd at the Lilac Parade. All parties involved in the altercation cooperated with law enforcement and the scene was quickly cleared.

The parade was delayed about 30 minutes and rerouted to Riverside. The parade then continued and passed without further incident.

Shortly after the incident, Mayor Lisa Brown spoke out about the violence during the parade.

“I am saddened by the violence that occurred around the parade this evening. “My thoughts are with those injured, their families and everyone who witnessed this incident,” Brown said. “Violence like this should never happen, especially near a place where families gather to enjoy a community event.” The incident does not appear to be related to the parade and I am grateful for the quick response from local law enforcement and first responders.”

Investigators with the Spokane Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit are investigating the shooting and will release more information as it becomes available.