Case number: OII-2025-0009
Olympia, Wash. (August 6, 2025) – The Washington State Office of Independent Investigations (OII) has identified the deputy involved in a use of deadly force incident that occurred on July 30 as Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy Michael Gonzalez.
Deputy Gonzalez has been with the Clark County Sheriff’s Office since 2021 and is currently assigned as a patrol K9 handler.
The Clark County Medical Examiner’s Office has identified the person who died as Branden Michael Whitcomb, age 36, of Vancouver. His cause of death was listed as gunshot wounds to the head, neck and torso. An OII family liaison has been assigned and is in communication with Mr. Whitcomb’s family.
The fatal encounter occurred about 10:50 p.m. on July 30 in Vancouver, Washington, as the Clark County Sheriff’s Office was assisting the Vancouver Police Department in responding to a call.
OII has set up a tip line and is asking anyone who may have information regarding the incident to call 564-250-3396. All information provided to OII is subject to public disclosure, as required by RCW 42.56, the Public Records Act.
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The Washington State Legislature created OII in 2021 to conduct independent and unbiased investigations of deadly use of force by law enforcement. It works with an 11-member advisory board that reviews and provides input on agency policies. To view this on the web, visit oii.wa.gov/news-and-updates.
For media inquiries, contact Hector Castro, Director of Communications and Community Relations, at hector.castro@oii.wa.gov or 360-870-8115.