Deputies Cleared In Woodinville Shooting: Report

WOODINVILLE, WA — The deputies who opened fire on a 42-year-old man after a Halloween chase that ended in Woodinville will not face charges, according to a Snohomish County investigation into the shooting.

The incident began around 4:45 a.m. on Oct. 31 with a car crash in Lynnwood. Daniel Garnica-Melgoza, 42, crashed his SUV into another car, and then stabbed the driver, police said at the time. Deputies responded, and chased Garnica-Melgoza to Woodinville.

Police surrounded Garnica-Melgoza's car outside Woodinville High School, and then opened fire when Garnica-Melgoza put his SUV in reverse. The deputies fired 48 shots and wounded Garnica-Melgoza, according to a report obtained by the Everett Herald.

The King County Prosecutor's office reviewed the Snohomish County Multiple Agency Response Team (SMART) report on the shooting and declined to press charges. The deputies said they feared for their lives when Garnica-Melgoza began driving toward them.

Garnica-Melgoza was arrested on charges of first-degree assault, second-degree domestic violence assault, and felony eluding after he was released from the hospital. He had choked his ex-girlfriend just before the shooting, police said.