Sunday night Spokane shooting started with bar fight

Cameron J. Peterson, 47, faces first-degree assault charges in connection with a Sunday night shooting near the Special K Tavern. The altercation started when the Peterson allegedly hit the victim’s father over the head with a beer bottle, knocking him unconscious, according to court documents. The victim, Gregory Zielke, left the bar shortly after 8 p.m. to confront Peterson about the assault. Court documents say he admitted to starting a conflict with Peterson, though one witness tried to hold him back. Zielke told officers Peterson took out a handgun and said, “Are you ready to die tonight?” Fearing for his life, Zielke punched Peterson in the face, knocking him to the ground. Zielke told officers Peterson then shot at him about five times. Officers later found two bullet wounds in Zielke’s forearms. Peterson had a single gunshot wound, which officers believe was self-inflicted. Witnesses said Peterson fled on foot to a Starbucks across Garland Avenue. Officers later recovered a gun from the roof of the store. Peterson’s bail was set at $15,000 during a court appearance Monday. Prosecutors requested $35,000 bail, while the defense argued he should be released given his lack of violent criminal history.