SPOKANE, Wash. — Days after a man was shot and killed by police at a north Spokane Walmart, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office has released the name of the man accused of assaulting a police officer moments before the shooting.
Tyler Forrester, 33, appeared in court Thursday charged with third-degree assault and interfering with a police officer.
According to court documents, two Spokane police officers were fighting with a shoplifting suspect when Forrester came up from behind and shoved one of the officers.
“I did not assault anyone,” Forrester said. “I have never assaulted anyone.”
Forester agreed to be booked into jail Thursday, telling KREM 2 that he was near the store’s self-checkout area when he heard a man screaming for help. He claims he did not know the suspect.
“He just kept screaming, ‘Help, help, help! Stop, stop, stop, stop!'” Forrester said.
Forrester reportedly pushed the officer on the shoulder and told him he was going too far.
He told KREM 2 he did not see the shooting scene, but heard at least one gunshot. Police said they were trying to arrest 34-year-old Kelly Jones-Hilberg on shoplifting charges, but she violently resisted after a Taser was deployed. At one point, someone inside the store yelled “gun,” before Spokane police officers opened fire, killing Jones-Hilberg, authorities said. Investigators believe a loaded gun found at the scene belonged to him.
The officer has been identified as Carl Richardson, who is currently a field training officer on the SPD’s Tactical Team, and also serves on the SPD’s Dignitary Protection Team, where he handles visiting politicians, celebrities, and more. Provides security for other VIPs. Richardson also helped rescue a kidnapped child in 2021. He has been with the department since 2019, according to SPD.
Forester is currently in jail, charged with third-degree assault and interfering with a police officer. A judge set his bail at $5,000. Mr. Forrester said he could not afford to post.
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