While no charges have been filed, deputies continue to investigate the case of an estranged Spokane Valley husband who was shot in the knee today by a man who was living in his wife’s garage.
Spokane Valley deputies responded at about 11 a.m. today to the 1200 block of North Bannen Road on the call of a shooting. When they arrived, they found 37-year-old Justin Chapman with a gunshot wound that fractured his kneecap, sheriff’s spokesman Deputy Craig Chamberlin said in a news release.
The deputies spoke with Chapman, who explained that he and his wife had been separated at the same time she had allowed 41-year-old David Pelican to live in their garage.
“Angered that Pelican was in his garage, Chapman kicked the back door in to the garage and an altercation ensued between he and Pelican,” Chamberlin wrote.
The fight ended and the men separated. But Chapman “became enraged” and walked back to the garage a second time.
“Pelican told deputies he was in fear for his life and chose to shoot two .22 caliber rounds from a handgun at Chapman’s legs,” Chamberlin said.
Pelican said he fired the shots because he feared Chapman may kill him. Chapman was transported to a local hospital where he was listed in stable condition.
While Pelican has not been charged, Chamberlin said the shooting remains under investigation.