Clark County Deputy shoots, kills off-duty police officer in his home
CLARK COUNTY, Wash. Feb 1, 2022 A Clark County deputy shot and killed an off-duty Vancouver Police Officer in his home, Saturday night, after a struggle with an armed robbery suspect, according to the Lower Columbia Major Crimes Team.
The Vancouver Police department has identified the officer as 52-year-old Donald Sahota.
The Clark County Sheriff’s office responded around 8:15 p.m. to an armed robbery at the Chevron on Northeast 117th Avenue in Vancouver.
According to a 911 caller, the suspect had entered the store, pointing a gun at the gas station clerk’s chest while demanding cash. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office said following the robbery, the suspect fled in a stolen dark-colored Mercedes with several hundred dollars.
Police intercepted the suspect traveling northbound on I-205 where a chase began for several miles.
The suspect eventually exited I-5 toward Battle Ground, Washington. There, he left the car and fled on foot until he reached the house of officer Sahota.
The off-duty officer exited his house and attempted to detain the suspect, who was becoming aggressive and violent. During the fight, Officer Sahota suffered stab wounds and lost control of his firearm.
The suspect ran inside the house where the officer’s wife was.
As the officer recovered his firearm and attempted to run into the house, Clark County officers arrived at the scene. The County Deputy Sherriff, not knowing who the suspect was, fired several rounds, hitting Officer Sahota. Sahota was provided medical aid but eventually died.
Police arrested the suspect and have him in custody.
Officer Sahota joined the Vancouver Police Department in April, 2014, after working for the Gresham Police Department and the Port of Portland Police Department. He leaves behind a wife and two children.
In a release Sunday, Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle spoke highly of Sahota:
“Early Sunday morning we lost a member of our police community. I am heartbroken by the loss of Officer Donald Sahota. My thoughts are with his family, friends, and all those he served with,” said McEnerny-Ogle. “The sudden death of Officer Sahota is devastating, and we don’t have all the details of what occurred. I hope the community will join me as we hold Officer Sahota’s family and our law enforcement community in our thoughts and hearts.”
McEnerny-Ogle said Sahota’s death will be investigated by the Lower Columbia Major Crimes Team.
