Officer involved in shooting identified

Senior Police Officer Nick Spolski has been identified as the officer who shot and wounded Craig S. Burton in the alley behind his north Spokane home late on May 6. Spolski has served with the Spokane Police Department for seven years and previously served in the Marine Corps for four years. Police were called to the home by the mother of Burton’s girlfriend, who said he had a gun and was suicidal. When Police arrived Burton began shooting and at one point police said they heard Burton reloading, according to court documents. He was reportedly shouting “Do it” as he fired. A body camera worn by one officer recorded eleven gunshots and multiple police commands for Burton to show his hands and drop the gun, according to court documents. Burton was shot a single time with a .223 caliber rifle round as he came out of his backyard and into the alley, according to court documents. Burton is still hospitalized. He is facing a charge of first-degree assault but has not appeared in court.