MEDICAL LAKE, Wash. -- The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services released a statement on the shooting death of an employee at Eastern State Hospital overnight.

According to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, a man shot and killed an Eastern State Hospital employee in the parking lot early Saturday morning following a crime spree in the area. A Sheriff's Office deputy then fired shots toward the suspect. The suspect was found dead near his vehicle.

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You can read the full statement from DSHS on the employee's death below:

Our hearts are heavy today as we grieve the violent and tragic loss of one of our employees at Eastern State Hospital. We send

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