Suspect Accused Of Stabbing Vancouver Officer Before His Death Pleads Not Guilty

BATTLE GROUND, Wash. — 52-year-old Donald Sahota, an officer with the Vancouver Police Department, was unintentionally shot and killed by a Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy on the night of January 29th at Sahota’s home after authorities say a robbery suspect came onto his property, stabbed the officer and tried to kidnap his wife.

20-year-old Julio Segura is facing 10 separate charges including murder, attempted kidnapping, burglary, robbery, theft, assault and eluding police.  He entered a plea of not guilty in Clark County Court on Tuesday.  Segura waived his rights to a speedy trial, which is set to begin on September 12th.

Court documents say Segura robbed a Chevron gas station in Orchards at gunpoint, stole a car and headed north.  He dumped the car in a ditch in Battle Ground and started running through the woods knocking on doors.  When he reached Sahota’s home, the two fought and the officer was stabbed several times as Segura went for his gun.  When interviewed by police, he said he thought the officer died from the stabbing.

The Lower Columbia Major Crimes Team released the medical examiner’s report indicating that Officer Sahota died from gunshot wounds to the torso and the manner of death is homicide.

Deputy Jonathan Feller used a rifle while running toward Segura.  He has served with the sheriff’s department since 2018.

Officer Sahota leaves a wife and two children behind.  He was laid to rest on February 8th.

Related | Community Remembers Fallen Vancouver Police Officer Donald Sahota

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