SPOKANE -- The deputy who fatally shot a Spokane Valley pastor two weeks ago has one version of what happened. The other version is what the pastor's wife heard. KREM 2 News examined both accounts after the only two witnesses told investigators all they know.
The Creach family says Pastor Scott Creach and his wife, Imogene, had a system whenever he went outside their property to confront a potential suspect. Imogene would stay inside and actively listen to see if her husband needed help.
Pastor Creach walked up to Deputy Brian Hirzel's car armed with gun around 11 p.m. on August 25th.
Both sides agreed that Pastor Creach put his gun in his waistband and one fatal shot killed him.
Other details are in contention with what Imogene heard through an open bedroom window.
Hirzel said Creach told him he was a victim of theft and that a confrontation ensued.
The pastor’s son, Alan Creach, said his mother didn't hear that exchange.
“She just simply did not hear anything along those lines,” said Alan Creach.
Alan says his mother never heard the deputy command her husband to back up, drop his weapon or get to the ground.
“She clearly heard my father when he cried out--she heard that plainly,” said Alan Creach. “She couldn't distinguish his words, but the sound was there and there were no other sounds she heard.”
Alan Creach said a second later Imogene heard the shot that killed her husband.
Hirzel told police he ordered Creach to the ground and to drop his gun five or six times.
Hirzel said he hit Creach with a baton when he refused. Creach buckled, but didn't fall to the ground.
Alan says the medical examiner showed him evidence there are markings on Creach's knees showing he was kneeling on the ground at one point.
“There on his knees are the marks--he did spend time on his knees, so we want clarification there,” said Alan Creach.
Alan Creach knows Hirzel's statement is only one part of the investigation and he is anxious to see the police department's complete report.
The investigation could be closed by Monday.
