Prev
Incident
Police Officer Donald Sahota was inadvertently shot and killed by a Clark County Sheriff's Office deputy while attempting to apprehend a robbery suspect who was attempting to break into his home.
The suspect had fled police after robbing a gas station on Northeast 117th Avenue in Vancouver. Officers used spike strips to immobilize the car, but the suspect was able to flee on foot. As deputies were searching for the suspect, a woman called 911, reporting that a man who fit the robbery suspect's description had pounded on her front door, asking for help, and claimed he had been involved in a collision. She informed the call-taker that her husband was an off-duty officer and had gone outside to detain the man. The suspect and Officer Sahota became engaged in a struggle during which Officer Sahota was stabbed several times and dropped his firearm. The suspect broke free and began running toward Officer Sahota's house.
Officer Sahota retrieved his firearm and ran after the suspect as Clark County deputies arrived. One of the deputies perceived Officer Sahota as an armed suspect and shot him, not realizing he was an officer and the homeowner.
The suspect was taken into custody without further incident. In May 2024, he was convicted of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, robbery, possession of a stolen vehicle, and eluding police. He was sentenced to 29 years in prison.
Officer Sahota had served with the Vancouver Police Department for almost eight years. He had previously served 17 years with the Gresham Police Department and 2 1/2 years with the Port of Portland Police Department in Oregon.
Survivors
He is survived by his wife and two children.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
neuraspine_01krbxtmm8qskh4q2ph14t91fr- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 tribute.
Are you family? This record can be claimed and maintained by those who knew Donald. Claim this record.
This page is permanent and free. No fee to view it, no advertising, no tracking, and no account required. It will not be taken down.
Tributes
27 years. You could have gone home.
Police Officer Sahota gave the Vancouver Police Department 27 years. Still answering calls at the end.
Thank you for your service to the Vancouver community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Police Officer Sahota.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
The Sacrifice · Accident
Donald is the only officer of Vancouver Police Department remembered here.
Donald is one of 111 officers lost to accidents in WA, 32.6% of the 340 remembered there.
Donald is one of 8,276 officers lost to accidents in the United States, 30% of the 27,551 remembered there.
Donald is one of 10,096 officers lost to accidents worldwide, 29.6% of the 34,102 remembered here.
34,102 officers are remembered on this memorial. Each number below is one of them.
Time
In 2022, 2 officers in WA were lost to accidents, the 9th heaviest of 70 years on record. The heaviest was 1968, with 5.
In 2022, 60 officers in the United States were lost to accidents, the 73rd heaviest of 174 years on record. The heaviest was 1929, with 118.
In 2022, 61 officers worldwide were lost to accidents, the 89th heaviest of 200 years on record. The heaviest was 1930, with 131.
Who
Donald was 52. Of the 92 lost to accidents in WA whose age is recorded, half were between 31 and 46.3; the middle age was 38. Donald had served 27.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Donald was 52. Of the 7,718 lost to accidents in the United States whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 46; the middle age was 36. Donald had served 27.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
Donald was 52. Of the 9,452 lost to accidents worldwide whose age is recorded, half were between 29 and 45; the middle age was 36. Donald had served 27.5 years; the middle length of service was 6 years.
When
January holds 4.5% of these deaths in WA; November holds the most, 15.3%. Saturdays: 15.3%.
January holds 7.7% of these deaths in the United States; August holds the most, 9.4%. Saturdays: 14.9%.
January holds 8.1% of these deaths worldwide; August holds the most, 9.3%. Saturdays: 14.7%.
How
Accident deaths account for 100% of all 1 deaths at Vancouver Police Department. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 100% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 32.6% of all 340 deaths in WA, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 1.8% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 30% of all 27,551 deaths in the United States, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 0.2% of these deaths.
Accident deaths account for 29.6% of all 34,102 deaths worldwide, the 2nd most common cause. The weapon recorded was handgun, in 0.1% of these deaths.
Where
Where the Name Is Cut
National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial · Panel 12-W
What is kept
Photographs, film, sound and papers — what survived a life.
Others Who Wore This Badge
0 officers from Vancouver Police Department are honored on badge.nw.