A Benton County sheriff's deputy who is also a member of the Tri-Cities Regional SWAT team, was justified in the fatal shooting July 9th of a man who had fired more than 60 rounds at police officers.

A special investigation team concluded SWAT Team member Scott Surplus, likely saved several lives.

Benton County Sheriff's Deputy Jason Erickson had just arrived home on Sacramento Drive when a neighbor told him around 7pm that the suspect, 49-year-old Rick R. Howard, was having some sort of breakdown.  The two lived not far apart.

Howard had reportedly been drinking, possibly had a fight with this wife, and was seen leaving his home with a handgun, shotgun and a SKS assault rifle.  Erickson tried to talk to Howard, but without success.  Erickson then returned to his own home, called 911, and helped move neighbors back inside or to safety.  He came back outside with his service weapon, and saw Howard pointing a gun at a neighbor.  Several shots were fired, but the man was not hit.

Howard retreated to his home, threatened to kill officers if they didn't back off, and began a four-hour standoff, during which time more shots were fired by Howard. All total, officials say he fired at least 60 rounds.

After a four-hour standoff,  during which Howard refused to come out,  he appeared in the doorway and pointed a weapon at the officers.  At that time,  SWAT Team member Scott Surplus, who is also a Benton County sheriff, fired a single shot, hitting Howard in the chest, killing him.

The investigation stated Erickson and Surplus both likely prevented residents of the neighborhood from being killed or injured.

More From 870 AM KFLD