Investigators identify man shot by deputies at Spokane Valley Motel 6

The man shot by Spokane Valley sheriff’s deputies at a burning Motel 6 last week has been identified as 41-year-old Michael Kruse.

Kruse remains hospitalized, and the Washington State Patrol is heading up an investigation into the shooting by the Spokane Investigative Regional Response Team.

Deputies and the Spokane Valley Fire Department were called to the Motel 6 at 1919 N. Hutchinson Road around 3:30 a.m. on June 7. Firefighters began to evacuate the motel but Kruse, who was armed with a knife, refused to leave, according to deputy reports.

Kruse came out of the room and advanced toward deputies while still holding the knife. Multiple deputies fired, wounding Kruse.

The motel fire began in Kruse’s room and he is facing a charge of first-degree arson, according to the WSP. Additional charges are expected.

The names of the deputies involved in the shooting have not yet been released by the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.