The Clark County sheriff’s deputy who shot and killed a man in Vancouver last week was involved in two previous incidents where police shot suspects to death — one in 2019 and one in 2021.

Deputy Michael Gonzalez shot and killed Branden Michael Whitcomb, 36, shortly before 11 p.m. on July 30 near Main Street and East 19th Street in downtown Vancouver, the Clark County sheriff’s office said in a statement.

Officials released the names of Gonzalez and Whitcomb on Wednesday.

The medical examiner ruled Whitcomb’s death a homicide and confirmed that he died from gunshot wounds to his head, neck and torso, officials said.

Gonzalez has worked for the Clark County sheriff’s office since 2021 and is currently assigned as a K-9 handler, the state office of independent investigations said in a st

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