KXLY TV-News (Spokane, Washington)
One man is dead and a Coeur d’Alene Police officer is fighting for his life in Seattle at Harborview Medical Center.
Idaho State Police investigators were at the scene all day Tuesday collecting bullet casings and other evidence at the Grouse Creek subdivision in Hayden. They plan on being back Wednesday to continue the investigation. Meanwhile the city of Coeur d’Alene is dealing with something they haven’t had in decades, an officer involved shooting.
Captain Ben Wolfinger says the fatal shooting started with a minor hit and run Monday night. Michael Madonna allegedly hit a sign and fled. Two deputies along with officer Michael Kralicek arrived at Madonna’s home to question him.
Kralicek suffered a severe head wound and was flown to Harborview in Seattle. Madonna was killed in the exchange of gunfire.
Captain Clark Rollins with ISP says bullet casings littered the driveway and front lawn. It was a sobering scene for law enforcement and neighbors alike.
The suspect does have a violent past. He was recently charged for assaulting a policeman, and now it appears another officer became a victim.
Chief Wendy Carpenter says the father of two relocated from North Bend to Coeur d’Alene in June. Carpenter says Kralicek always had a smile on his face and a positive attitude. Now she and others hope moments won’t steal time away from this young life. The Coeur d’Alene Police Association set up a fund in officer Kralicek’s name to offset unexpected expenses at Wells Fargo Bank on Appleway in Coeur d’Alene Idaho.
Kralicek’s family flew to Seattle on a private jet Tuesday morning. We’re told he is in stable condition.
All three officers involved in this incident will now be on administrative leave.