Sheriff’s office: Deputy shoots attacker at Brush Prairie home

A man spotted climbing on several vehicles outside a Brush Prairie home attacked a Clark County sheriff’s deputy Wednesday afternoon, prompting the deputy to open fire, injuring the alleged assailant, according to the sheriff’s office.

The incident occurred shortly before 2 p.m. at a rural home at 11518 N.E. 126th Ave.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Fred Neiman said deputies were summoned to the home after a man, who apparently doesn’t live on the property, was seen jumping on vehicles parked near the home and acting strangely. At least three recreational vehicles and multiple passenger vehicles were parked near the house.

When a deputy arrived, the man immediately attacked him and a fight ensued, Neiman said. During the fight, the deputy fired, striking the man.

A deputy on the scene called out a “code 3,” Neiman said, which generally means there is an emergency and others responding to the call should switch on their lights and sirens. Moments later, the officer said, “Shots fired. Suspect down,” according to emergency radio traffic monitored at The Columbian.

Medics and firefighters responded to the same address moments later. The suspect was taken to a nearby hospital.

One deputy received minor injuries, according to a sheriff’s office bulletin. The suspect’s condition was not immediately available, and he was not identified.

The major crimes team and Vancouver police reported to the scene. Deputies involved in the incident were placed on critical-incident leave, which is standard protocol, the sheriff’s office said.