Spokane Crime Spree Ends in Tragedy: Ryan Tietsort Identified as Suspect in Fatal Rampage Across Two States
SPOKANE, WA – Authorities have identified the man behind a deadly and chaotic crime spree that spanned across Washington and Idaho on Sunday, ending with a fatal police shooting in Spokane Valley. The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed Tuesday that 43-year-old Ryan Tietsort died from gunshot wounds to the head and neck after a violent encounter with law enforcement.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Tietsort’s crime spree began around 8:30 a.m. Sunday when he reportedly stole a Dodge Challenger in Spokane and sped east toward Stateline, Idaho. What followed was a rapid and disturbing series of crimes that left one man dead, another severely injured, and multiple communities in shock.
Once in Idaho, Tietsort allegedly attempted to steal three more vehicles in quick succession. During one of these attempted carjackings, he struck a motorcyclist with a vehicle — later identified as 36-year-old Richard Embree. Embree sustained serious injuries and is currently unable to work as he recovers, his family said.
Tragically, the violence escalated further when Tietsort encountered Gary Hill, a bystander who was attempting to aid a victim of the carjackings. Hill was shot and killed on the scene, his act of bravery ending in heartbreaking loss. Hill has since been remembered by friends and family as a kindhearted man who believed in helping others, even at personal risk.
Tietsort then fled back across the state line into Washington, leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase down Interstate 90. Authorities say the pursuit ended near the intersection of Trent Avenue and Pines Road, where Tietsort crashed the vehicle. He exited the car armed with a firearm, prompting officers to open fire. Tietsort was pronounced dead at the scene.
Despite the violent nature of Sunday’s events, investigators revealed that Tietsort did not have a documented history of violent crimes. His criminal background primarily involved multiple DUIs and traffic-related offenses, making his sudden and brutal spree all the more shocking.
Meanwhile, the community is rallying to support Richard Embree, the injured motorcyclist. A GoFundMe campaign organized by his mother, Susan Embree, has been launched to assist with medical bills and living expenses during his long road to recovery.
“As you can imagine, the injuries Richard suffered are extensive,” Susan wrote on the fundraiser page. “He’s looking at up to a year of recovery time, and in the meantime, he can’t work. I am asking on behalf of our family for any assistance people can provide to take some of the financial stress off Richard so he can focus on his recovery.”
As of Tuesday afternoon, the fundraiser had collected $2,065 toward its $9,000 goal.
The investigation into the full scope of the incident is ongoing. Law enforcement agencies from both Washington and Idaho are working together to trace the timeline of Tietsort’s actions and understand what may have led to this violent and senseless series of crimes.
Authorities have not yet released the names of the officers involved in the shooting, and it is standard procedure for them to be placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The community now mourns the loss of Gary Hill and rallies behind the recovery of Richard Embree, both victims of a sudden rampage no one saw coming. As more details emerge, Spokane and the surrounding region are left grappling with a tragedy that has shaken its sense of safety and left indelible scars.