Branden Michael Whitcomb Obituary, Death; Clark County deputy-involved shooting victim identified as Vancouver man

Branden Michael Whitcomb Obituary, Death – A man who was fatally shot by a Clark County deputy at the end of July has now been identified. Officials confirmed on Wednesday that 36-year-old Branden Michael Whitcomb of Vancouver was the person killed in the incident. According to the county medical examiner, Whitcomb died from gunshot wounds to the head, neck, and torso.

The shooting occurred on the night of July 30 near the intersection of Main Street and East 19th Street in downtown Vancouver. Authorities said deputies had responded to a distress call from a parent who claimed their son had broken into their home and threatened to kill them. The caller told dispatchers that their son was under the influence of methamphetamine and alcohol when he forcefully entered through the front door.

Law enforcement was dispatched to the home shortly after 10:40 p.m. While en route, the parent reported that the suspect had left the residence on a bicycle. Not long afterward, a Vancouver police officer spotted a man matching the description, reportedly carrying a firearm.

It was during this interaction that a deputy with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office opened fire on Whitcomb. First responders at the scene attempted to provide medical aid, but despite their efforts, Whitcomb was pronounced dead where he was shot.

The incident is now under review by Washington’s Office of Independent Investigations (OII), an agency tasked with ensuring impartial reviews of officer-involved shootings. Officials are in the process of collecting and examining evidence, including nearby surveillance footage, to piece together the events leading up to Whitcomb’s death.

In addition to the physical evidence and witness reports, body-worn camera and dashcam footage from the involved officers are expected to be released publicly at a later date. These recordings will be crucial in understanding the full context of the incident and determining whether the use of deadly force was justified.

The Clark County Sheriff’s Office has not released the name of the deputy involved in the shooting and has not provided further comment while the investigation is ongoing. No additional injuries were reported during the incident.

As the OII continues its independent investigation, community members and Whitcomb’s family await more clarity and answers surrounding the shooting. The release of video footage and more detailed findings from the investigation will likely play a significant role in how the public responds to the outcome.

This case adds to the growing number of officer-involved shootings under scrutiny in Washington, with the state continuing its efforts to promote transparency and accountability in law enforcement actions. The investigation remains active, and more details are expected in the coming weeks.