Two deputies identified in South Hill Taser incident
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office identified the two deputies who responded to a disorderly call at a South Hill gym on Thursday evening.
Deputies Shawn Audie and Steve Paynter (pictured, below, left to right) were called to Oz Fitness near 55th and Regal streets in South Spokane on Thursday after witnesses reported Will Berger, 34, was behaving erratically.
According to a witness, Berger left the gym and swatted cars traveling along Regal and was then shot with a Taser by deputies.
Berger was taken off life support the next day. His cause of death is being investigated by the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Audie has served the sheriff’s office for 12 years, according to a news release sent out Tuesday morning. He has received 12 letters of commendation and served as a training instructor in defensive tactics.
Paynter has been with the office for 13 years and has also served as a field training officer. He has received 11 letters of commendation, the news release said.
The Washington State Patrol is continuing to interview witnesses as it heads up the investigation into the incident.
According to a witness, Berger left the gym and swatted cars traveling along Regal and was then shot with a Taser by deputies.
Berger was taken off life support the next day. His cause of death is being investigated by the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office.
Audie has served the sheriff’s office for 12 years, according to a news release sent out Tuesday morning. He has received 12 letters of commendation and served as a training instructor in defensive tactics.
Paynter has been with the office for 13 years and has also served as a field training officer. He has received 11 letters of commendation, the news release said.
The Washington State Patrol is continuing to interview witnesses as it heads up the investigation into the incident.