Spokane police say Kenneth R. Dennis was shot after he “almost stabbed one of the officers,” according to a newly filed search warrant.

Investigators believe a physical altercation occurred between Dennis and his girlfriend, Crystal A. Barrett, 24, before police arrived at 5726 N. Elgin St., Trooper Troy Briggs said in a news release Thursday.

According to the warrant, Cassandra L. Shear, Barrett’s friend, called police to say that Barrett “was locked inside the house and was being pushed by her intoxicated boyfriend.” Shear called again to say she wasn’t being allowed in the home.

A 13-inch knife was found near Dennis’ body, WSP said. Shell casings from the two officers also were recovered.

Dennis' family said the officers burst into the home and did not identify themselves. They have declined interviews.

The officers, identified only as a 48-year-old sergeant with 18 years of experience and a 31-year-old officer with two years of experience, who have not been publicly identified, have not yet been interviewed, said Briggs, spokesman for the multi-agency investigative team.

“They did a tactical debriefing, but the complete interviews of the officers will come at a later date,” he said.
Meanwhile, a donation account has been created at Wells Fargo to raise money for Kenneth Dennis’ burial. Donations can be made at any Wells Fargo branch under the account “Kenneth Dennis.”

---

---