Mason Acheson Killed in Line of Duty

The eastern Washington law enforcement and northeast Washington communities are mourning the loss of one of its own after Spokane County Sheriff ’s Deputy Mason Acheson, from Arden, was killed in the line of duty while responding to a domestic violence shooting south of Spokane. Acheson, 35, died Wednesday, Nov. 4, at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center after being shot the previous afternoon during a SWAT operation near Spangle. Fellow Deputy Parker Perry, 29, of Oakesdale, Wash., was also fatally wounded during the incident, marking one of the deadliest days for Washington law enforcement in nearly two decades. For Acheson’s family and those who knew him in the Colville area, the loss extends far beyond his service in uniform. “Mason was our son, our brother, our uncle, our friend, and our hero,” his family shared in a social media post through Front Porch Farms.

The family announced that the store would be closed until further notice as loved ones mourned his death. The incident began Nov. 3 when Spokane County deputies responded to a residence at 18819 S. Smythe Road near Spangle after a woman reported being shot in the chest by her brother. The woman escaped to a neighboring residence and was transported to a hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening. Authorities identified the suspected gunman as 37-year-old Ryan Larsen, who had an outstanding felony warrant and was believed to have access to additional firearms. Deputies deployed a drone and discovered a deceased person outside the residence. Concerned that additional victims might be inside the home, authorities called in the sheriff ’s SWAT team. Officers said Acheson and Perry were among the officers attempting to enter the residence to rescue potential victims when they encountered gunfire. Both deputies were struck and critically wounded. Fellow deputies returned fire, evacuated the injured officers and provided emergency medical assistance. Acheson died early Wednesday morning. Perry remained on life support while arrangements were made for organ donation and died Saturday, Nov. 7. The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office identified two other people killed during the incident as Suzanne Larsen, 72, and Rebecca Larsen, 45. Both suffered fatal gunshot injuries.

Ryan Larsen was also found dead, with the medical examiner determining his death resulted from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The deaths of Acheson and Perry represent the deadliest attack on Washington law enforcement officers since four Lakewood police officers were murdered in 2009. Acheson’s family said he served in both local law enforcement and the military. His military career began in 2011 when he enlisted in the Washington Army National Guard. He achieved the rank of sergeant and served in Poland during a deployment spanning 2021 and 2022.Acheson completed military sniper training in 2017 and participated in Army sniper competitions. His military honors included three Army Commendation Medals, an Army Achievement Medal, three Army Reserve Component Achievement Medals, a National Defense Service Medal, and an Armed Forces Reserve Medal. He served eight years with the Washington State Patrol from 2014 to 2022, working as a trooper and firearms instructor in the Spokane area. Acheson joined the Spokane County Sheriff ’s Office in 2022, eventually becoming a member of its SWAT team, where he served as a trained sniper, where his responsibilities included protecting fellow officers during dangerous operations. However, his family emphasized that his greatest accomplishments were not measured by his professional achievements.

“While Mason’s courage and dedication to serving his country and community were remarkable, the most important parts of his life were found beyond his uniform,” reads a GoFundMe fundraiser established for his family. “Mason was a devoted husband to Hannah, a loving father to their two young boys, and a man whose life was deeply rooted in faith. He loved the Lord and his family wholeheartedly, and his greatest joy was found in the life he shared with them.” Following Acheson’s death, his family and supporters established the Mason Acheson Memorial Fund at STCU to assist his family. So far, over $63,000 has been raised for Acheson’s family. Perry, who joined the sheriff ’s office in 2020, also served in the Washington Army National Guard, achieving the rank of captain. He became a K-9 deputy in 2025 after previously serving on the SWAT team. He leaves behind his pregnant wife and two children. In recognition of the deputies’ sacrifice, Gov. Bob Ferguson ordered flags at state fa- cilities lowered to half-staff Monday, Nov. 9.