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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

WSP sergeant says shooting was accidental

A Washington State Patrol sergeant who shot an unarmed pregnant woman during a drug raid last week has told investigators it was “an accidental discharge,” sheriff’s officials announced Thursday.

Sgt. Lee Slemp (left, in 2006) said he accidentally fired his weapon as the woman, whose name has not been released, attempted to flee out a window at 1405 N. Lincoln St. on Sept. 24, Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said.

Slemp, a 25-year WSP veteran, described the shooting to investigators in his first in-depth interview on Wednesday.

The news comes two days after Washington State Patrol Chief John Batiste told The Spokesman-Review that he had no reason to believe the shooting was accidental.

Read the rest of my story here.

Past coverage:

Sept. 29: WSP names officer in shooting

Sept. 24: State patrol officer shoots unarmed pregnant woman



Public safety news from the Inland Northwest and beyond.