On August 13, 2012, Investigators Andrew Murph and Travis Lacox responded to a call for a shooting where two officers were reported to be “down” and one did not appear to be moving. Additional reports indicated that there were two civilian casualties and that other officers on the scene were pinned down by gunfire.
Despite coming from different areas in town and not speaking to each other prior to arrival, Investigators Murph and Lacox arrived at almost the same time and at the same location, approximately one block away from the shooting. Upon arriving, they could hear active gunfire continuing and their fellow officers’ pleas for help. They were also aware that the suspect was firing a high-powered rifle. Investigator Murph armed himself with his patrol rifle and Investigator Lacox armed himself with his duty pistol. They donned body armor and began moving toward the sound of the gunfire.
With only concealment from the backyard of a neighboring home, Investigators Murph and Lacox opened a gate to a fence and found themselves in direct line of fire to the suspect’s closed front door. Moments later, the suspect opened the front door with his rifle in hand and raised it toward an officer who was pinned behind a vehicle and who had already been fired at multiple times.
From approximately 73 yards away and with no cover to protect them from the suspect’s shots, Investigators Murph and Lacox fired at the suspect, striking him and forcing him back into his home. As the suspect lay injured, the investigators made the decision to secure him to ensure the area was safe. With no cover or concealment between them and the suspect, their only option was to approach by crossing the street and moving directly toward him. When they were approximately 42 yards away, the suspect reached for his weapon, and Investigators Murph and Lacox responded by firing on him again as they continued their approach.
Continually giving commands to not move, Investigators Murph and Lacox secured the suspect who ultimately succumbed to his injuries. They then turned their focus to calling in EMTs to treat the injured, checking on the officers who has been pinned down by gunfire, and performing CPR on Constable Brian Bachmann who lay mortally wounded in the front yard. Their quick response allowed emergency responders to gain access to the victims and begin treatment. This quick treatment proved critical to saving the life of one of the civilian victims.
Media Release