SIIR Team Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting Incident on January 24, 2025
The Spokane Independent Investigation Response (SIIR) Team is providing this initial information regarding the ongoing investigation into this incident.
SIIR Investigators remained at the scene throughout the evening and into the early morning hours as they documented the scene, conducted interviews, and collected evidence.
SIIR Team Investigators recovered a hammer near where the adult male suspect fell to the ground and was taken into custody. After being medically cleared, the suspect was booked into jail on several felony charges.
The adult female who was injured was transported to the hospital and later released that evening.
On January 24, 2025, at approximately 1:53 pm., an adult female called 911 to report her ex-boyfriend, later identified as 52-year-old John C. Primero, was at her home in the 200 block of E. Sanson Avenue. She also advised there was a Domestic Violence (DV) No Contact Order in place.
As Spokane Police Officers responded to the residence, 911 Operators provided updated information to Officers, including what they could hear in the background during the call. Officers were advised there were juveniles at the location, and a lot of yelling was heard.
911 Operators also advised that Primero had said they were all going to do this as a family. As the 911 call continued, call notes show a female was heard saying, don’t hit her with a hammer, do not threaten my kids, please stop, and Primo, don’t do this to them.
Through the open 911 line, a female could also be heard saying it’s ok. If something bad happens, close your eyes, get under the blanket, and stay hidden until someone gets you.
After Officers arrived at the location, they suddenly heard screaming inside and immediately entered the home due to the exigent circumstances. Soon after, they advised shots had been fired.
The Officer-Involved Protocol was enacted, and the scene was secured pending the arrival of the Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team (SIIR). The SIIR Team and Spokane County Forensics Unit personnel remained at the location late into the night as they collected evidence, interviewed witnesses, and documented the scene.
Initial information indicates the Officers contacted Primero and the victims in the front room of the home. Soon after, Primero, failing to follow the Officers’ commands, charged toward the victims. One Officer fired his duty handgun, striking Primero, who collapsed on the ground. Officers placed him in handcuffs, removed him from the house, and provided medical aid before he was transported to the hospital for additional care.
The adult female victim, who had discharged pepper spray/bear mace when Primero charged toward her and the juveniles, advised she had been shot in the leg. She received medical aid and was transported to the hospital. She later told SIRR Investigators she feared Primero would kill her and/or the juveniles.
SIIR Team Investigators recovered a framing-type hammer on the ground where Primero collapsed after being hit by the Officer’s shots.
Both the victim and Primero were released from the hospital later in the evening.
After being medically cleared at the hospital, Primero was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail on felony charges of Assault 2nd Degree (3 counts), DV Order Violation with Assault, Burglary 1st Degree, Kidnapping 1st Degree (3 counts), and Harassment-Weapon Involved (2 counts).
No uninvolved citizens or law enforcement Officers were injured during this incident.
The SIIR Team is comprised of agencies in Spokane County, including the Washington State Patrol, Spokane Valley Police Department, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the Airway Heights Police Department, and the Spokane Police Department.
As the agency involved, Spokane Police Department personnel will not be involved in this investigation, in compliance with WAC 139.
- This investigation is being conducted by the Spokane Independent Investigative Response Team (SIIR), with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office as the managing agency for this incident. All future communications regarding this investigation will be sent via the SIIR Team.
- The Spokane Police Department will release the name(s) of the Officer(s) involved in this incident.
- Once the SIIR Team investigation is complete, the case will be forwarded to the Spokane County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
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This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "SIIR Team Investigates Officer-Involved Shooting Incident on January 24, 2025" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7