911 Caller Mistakenly Shot By Washington Police

A Washington man called 911 to report that he had seen a shooting suspect and ended up being mistakenly shot by responding law enforcement officers, Vancouver police said Tuesday.

John Kendall

The man had told police on October 31st that he spotted 59-year-old John Kendall. A manhunt was under way at the time for Kendall, who deputies said had shot his neighbor earlier that morning over a land dispute, KGW reports.

After investigators confirmed Kendall’s cell phone was in the immediate area, a SWAT team was dispatched who then spotted a man who matched the suspect’s description.

“Law enforcement personnel watched as the citizen (believed to be Kendall) exited his vehicle and circled behind his trunk,” police said. “Fearing that he armed himself, law enforcement fired multiple shots at the individual in order to stop the perceived threat before the citizen could enter the woods.”

The 911 caller was shot in the leg and took cover behind a gravel pile and fired a shot back from a concealed weapon.

The unidentified man called 911 again, this time to report that he had been shot.

Officers provided first aid until he was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Later Kendall was found dead nearby with an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

The law enforcement officials who were at the scene were placed on administrative leave, which is routine procedure in this type of investigation.

The victim John Kendall allegedly shot was hospitalized with critical injuries to her face. She will likely lose her right eye.

Watch courtesy of KOIN:

H/T: The incomparable @CarlaAkins with thanks. 

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