Witnesses sought in Creach shooting

The Spokane Police Department announced Thursday that it is still seeking potential witnesses who may have seen or heard the encounter on Aug. 25 when Deputy Brian Hirzel shot and killed Pastor Wayne Scott Creach in Spokane Valley. Police spokeswoman Officer Jennifer DeRuwe said anyone who saw or heard anything on that night at 14208 E. Fourth Ave. is asked to call Crime Check at 456-2233. Chief Anne Kirkpatrick, whose agency has taken the lead in the investigation, said earlier this week that the investigation could be sent over to the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office later next week. Hirzel, who works for the sheriff’s office but is assigned to work for the Spokane Valley Police Department, remains on paid administrative leave until the criminal case is complete, Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich said. Hirzel has told investigators that Creach refused to comply with his commands and he then hit the 74-year-old business owner with a police baton. Hirzel said Creach reached for a gun in his back waistband and Hirzel fired when he could see the butt of the gun, police said.