Cop shoots person to death in Spokane

SPOKANE, Wash. — Police fatally shot a man after he allegedly beat a woman with a skateboard and stabbed a pit bull during a rampage Friday morning.

Police received 911 calls that a man tried to break into one home on Spokane’s north side, then assaulted a woman after breaking into another residence, where he also stabbed a dog.

Officers spotted a man walking with a skateboard and a knife in his hands. They ordered him to stop, but he advanced on them brandishing the knife, and at least two officers opened fire, police said.

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Dave Reagan said the first emergency call came from a woman who reported a man with a skateboard tried to kick in her door but left without gaining entry.

Several minutes later, police received a call from Tara Tanner, 34, who reportedly was struck several times with a skateboard after a man kicked in her door and went inside. She was taken to a hospital.

A black pit bull that came to her aid was stabbed by the man. Animal welfare agents were searching for the dog, which ran away.

Investigators don’t yet know the man’s identity or age.

Because the case involved a shooting by Spokane police, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is investigating.