SPOKANE, Wash. -- Spokane's Police Chief insisted Tuesday that the investigation into a fatal officer-involved shooting in Spokane Valley last month will be expedited, but not compromised.
Spokane County Sheriff's deputy Brian Hirzel remains on paid administrative leave following the August 25 shooting that killed local pastor and business owner, Scott Creach, 74.
Police Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, Spokane Police Lt. Dave McGovern, and Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich spoke at a press conference Tuesday regarding the investigation process.
"We will do everything we can truly to expedite, but under no condition will this investigation not be thorough, complete and fair," said Kirkpatrick.
Police said the next phase of the investigation includes extensive analysis, and comparing witness statement to physical and forensic evidence.
McGovern recounted Hirzel's statements from his interview with investigators that took place on Friday, September 3, nine days after the incident. He said Hirzel told investigators he was conducting a prowl check that night near 14000 E. 4th. Hirzel said he parked in the parking lot of The Plant Farm, Creach's business and residence, for police presence and to write tickets from earlier in the day.
Hirzel was in an unmarked Spokane Valley Police vehicle with his headlights on, driver's side window down and computer on. Hirzel said he saw a male with no shirt on approach him from 30 feet away, holding a gun at his side.
McGovern said Hirzel told investigators he had no previous knowledge of Creach or knew that Creach lived at the same location as the business.
Hirzel said when Creach was within 2.5 feet of the vehicle, he withdrew his gun, announced he was a police officer several times and demanded Creach drop the gun.
According to McGovern, Hirzel recalled Creach refusing to drop the gun, and saying he was protecting himself because "people had stolen things from him before." McGovern said Hirzel did not determine from those statements that Creach was the property owner.
Hirzel said he got out of the vehicle, and Creach stepped back allowing for him to do so. Hirzel said when he got out of the car Creach put his gun in the waistband of his pants. Hirzel said he ordered Creach to get to the ground again, and Creach refused. At that time, Hirzel told investigators he grabbed his baton and struck Creach in the knee area, causing him to buckle and reach for his gun from his pants.
Hirzel told investigators he saw the butt of Creach's gun, holstered his baton, got a two-hand grip on his gun and shot Creach, hitting him in the chest.
"We still have to put this in seconds, because this happened in seconds," said Lt. McGovern.
Kirkpatrick said the Creach family has been made aware of all of Deputy Hirzel's statements, and that they are in contact on a regular basis.
"The Creach family has been informed of all the facts...because they are deserving of having as much information as we can possibly give without compromising the investigation," she said.
Creach's family told KREM 2 News Monday that the autopsy results did not apparently show that Creach was hit with a baton prior to being shot, which police confirmed.
"We did not see any marks on Mr. Creach that would indicate he was struck by a baton," said Lt. McGovern. He added it does not indicate Creach was not struck, just that there were no marks at the time of autopsy. McGovern said other forensic tests will be conducted to determine if and where Creach was hit with a baton.
Also in question has been Hirzel's vacation following the incident. Kirkpatrick said Hirzel was willing to give a volunteer statement, but wanted to go on his previously scheduled vacation first. Kirkpatrick said ultimately, it was Hirzel's decision to go on vacation, and the investigative team chose to allow it because they did not believe it would compromise the investigation to wait until September 3.
"This is no different than a civilian who says, 'I don't want to give a statement at this time,'" said Kirkpatrick.
In a written statement, police said, "a decision was made by the team to respect the deputy’s right to remain silent and his request to go on vacation. During this time, investigators were diligently compiling the evidence and looking into all elements of the incident."
Kirkpatrick said Spokane Police will complete the investigation as early as September 13 and turn over the report to the Spokane County Prosecutor's Office. Prosecutors could then determine whether to file charges. However, Kirkpatrick also said other law enforcement agencies have a hand in the investigation.
"The FBI has been watching the investigation, they are aware of where we are in the investigation, and have no concerns about the investigation," said Kirkpatrick.
Sheriff Knezovich said it is not uncommon for deputies and officers to pull into local parking lots or park in parking lots to conduct police business.
