Washington Deputy Killed, Officer Wounded in Gunfight Following Pursuit

A Kittitas County, WA, sheriff's deputy was killed and a Kittitas police officer wounded Tuesday night in a gunfight at the end of a vehicle pursuit. The suspect was also killed in the incident.

Kittitas County officials say the pursuit began when Deputy Ryan Thompson responded to a complaint about a road rage incident and attempted to stop the suspect.

The vehicle pursuit ended in the town of Kittitas where Deputy Thompson was backed up by Officer Benito Chavez. The suspect exited the vehicle and exchanged shots with the two law enforcement officers. Deputy Thompson was killed in the fight, and Chavez was wounded. Additional officers responded to the scene and the suspect was killed.

Deputy Thompson, 42, was married with three children.

Officer Chavez, 22, is in satisfactory condition at an area hospital. He reportedly suffered a shattered femur.  KIRO reports Chavez was sworn into office in July. He is married and his wife is expecting a child. The Kittitas police force consists of three officers.

The suspect's name has not been released, pending official identification.