Prosecuter receives Creach autopsy

The autopsy report of pastor Wayne Scott Creach has been turned over to Spokane County Prosecutor Steve Tucker, but it does little to answer many of the family’s questions.

Creach’s son, Alan Creach, said the autopsy revealed no indication of a baton strike that Deputy Brian Hirzel claims he made during the Aug. 25 encounter in which Hirzel shot Creach in the parking lot of his business at 14208 E. Fourth Ave.

The autopsy also showed that the bullet struck the 74-year-old man at the top of the sternum just below the neck. But the bullet went downward, striking his heart, lung and liver, Creach said.

“That’s a pretty extreme downward angle,” Creach said. “I don’t think there has been a satisfactory explanation for how it occurred.”

Creach said Tucker explained to the family how the charging decision will be made.

Tucker did not return a telephone message Thursday seeking comment.

“I think it’s going to be tough for Steve to” charge Hirzel with a crime, Creach said. “(Tucker) thinks Dad was absolutely wrong having his gun in his hand. I certainly disagree.”

Thomas Clouse