Police identify officers who shot and killed suspect in Hillyard shootout

The Spokane Police Department has released the names of the two officers who shot and killed a suspect during a gunfight in Hillyard on Nov. 28.

Officers David Stone and Brent Armstrong shot 59-year-old Jim Danforth after the man opened fire on the two officers in their patrol car, according to Spokane Police Chief Craig Meidl.

Just before 6 p.m. on Nov. 28, officers responded to a complaint from a caller who said that a short-time roommate was refusing to leave and had fired a gun in the house, at 2934 E. Rowan Ave., before fleeing on foot.

When Danforth returned around 7:45 p.m. in the pouring rain, Stone and Armstrong were finishing investigative work in their patrol car in front of the house. Danforth opened fire on the car, police said.

Stone and Armstrong returned fire, hitting Danforth multiple times. Following the exchange, they performed first aid as emergency crews arrived. The shooting suspect was taken to the hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Stone, a Seattle University graduate and 10-year veteran of the U.S. Army, was hired by SPD in 2010. Armstrong was hired by SPD in January.