Washington-Officer Jay Hughes of the Kalispel Tribal Police Department died January 6, 2021 after suffering a heart attack during an on-duty altercation. Officer Hughes responded to a call at the Northern Quest Resort and Casino with two other officers. The call resulted in an altercation on the gaming floor between the officers and suspects. While trying to detain the suspect, Officer Hughes had a heart attack. Officers applied CPR and he was taken to the hospital where he died two days later.
Officer Hughes served in law enforcement for 44 years. He served with the Kalispel Tribal Police Department for 4 and 1/2 years. Before that, he was with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office for 40 years. Officer Hughes served as a volunteer firefighter as well.
Source: ODMP
Hilary Rodela
Hilary Rodela is currently a Surveillance Officer, a former Private Investigator, a former Crime Scene Investigator, and Evidence Technician. She worked for the Ruidoso (NM) Police Department as well as the Lubbock (TX) Police Department. She has written for several public safety publications and has extensive law enforcement and forensic training and is pursuing forensic expertise in various disciplines. Hilary is a freelance public safety writer and curriculum developer for the National Investigative Training Academy.
