Spokane Valley shooting suspect released from hospital, jailed

SPOKANE VALLEY – The suspect in a March 8 shooting has been released from the hospital and has been booked into jail.

According to a news release from the Spokane Independent Investigative Response team (SIIR), the suspect, 49-year-old Lanz E. Zeppa is in custody at the Spokane County Jail. The news release also stated the team had received statements from the deputies involved in the incident that took place at 12111 E. Cataldo in Spokane Valley.

According to the original report, Spokane Valley deputies responded to a report of a domestic violence incident at the Spokane Valley apartment complex. The caller reporting the incident said the suspect was the boyfriend of the victim, was intoxicated and attacking her and her young child.

It was also reported the suspect had access to firearms, but it was unknown if he was armed or needed medics. Initial information indicates that responding deputies gave commands and that the suspect had a gun.

Soon after, deputies reported shots fired and the suspect was hit and on the ground. Additional radio traffic reported the suspect was injured and continuing to reach for a gun.

The suspect was subsequently detained and medical attention was given, upon which he was taken to a hospital in critical condition. The suspect was eventually identified as Zeppa.

The victim and her child were uninjured. The four deputies involved in the shooting were placed on administrative leave.