No charges for officers who shot, killed man on South Hill

The Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office has elected not to file charges against two officers who shot and killed a man on Spokane’s South Hill in July while responding to a domestic violence incident.

Prosecutors determined it was “reasonable” for officers Kelsey Scott and Caleb Martin to use deadly force against Daniel Craven, 53, who was shot and killed in the 5900 block of South Mount Vernon Street during the early morning hours of July 3. According to a news release sent out by the county, officers observed Craven standing in a “fighting stance” and holding a black handgun moments after they heard gunshots.

Police said Craven then raised his gun to a firing position, prompting both officers to fire until he went down. He died from multiple bullet wounds, the Spokane County Medical Examiner ruled.

Neighbors reported hearing gunshots. A woman who said she used to date Craven, and who reported several instances of stalking and harassment by Craven in the past, told police that she saw Craven walking around the outside of her home holding a gun.

In their decision Wednesday, prosecutors said Craven posed a “serious and immediate threat to officers as he was armed with a firearm, standing very close to them, and had ignored a command to show his hands.” They noted there was no indication either officer acted out of malice.

Scott has been with the department since 2014 and has worked in patrol since graduating the Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Martin was hired in 2016.