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

Sirens & Gavels

Jury deadlocks in police shooting trial

A hung jury led to a mistrial today in the case of a man charged with assault after he was shot by Spokane County sheriff's deputies.

A new trial will be held for Michael E. Young, 56, who is charged with two counts of second-degree assault after deputies said he pointed a gun at them as they responded to reports that he was suicidal.

Deputies Walter Loucks, Darell Stidham and Scott Bonney shot Young outside his home at 11709 E. Fairview Ave., on Dec. 27, 2009.

A neighbor who witnessed the shooting said Young never pointed his gun at deputies but refused orders to drop it.

The jury of five women and seven men began deliberating about 10:30 a.m. today and announced they were deadlocked about 3 p.m. The trial began Monday.

Young's lawyer, James Kirkham, said the jury was divided 6-6.

Past coverage:

March 2: Man shot by deputies on trial for assault



Public safety news from the Inland Northwest and beyond.