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

Spokane man killed by own knife identified

A man who police say was accidentally stabbed to death by his own knife Saturday has been identified as Rene Chico Salas, 52, of Spokane. An autopsy concluded Salas died of a stab wound to his chest, according to the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office. Police say Salas had a knife when he was banging on a locked door at the Danmor Apartments, 410 W. Third Ave. after an altercation with a resident. Police say the door eventually opened, and the impact apparently knocked the knife’s blade into Salas’s shoulder, which cut an artery, police said. Salas walked a short distance before collapsing on the sidewalk. Police spokeswoman Officer Jennifer DeRuwe said a thorough investigation showed Salas’ death was a “tragic” accident. “We realize it is very hard to believe,” she said.