Police standoff ends in suspect's death in Burbank

BURBANK–A 65-year-old Burbank man is dead after a police standoff here August 13, 2023, according to Undersheriff Joe Klundt of the Walla Walla Sheriff’s Office.

At approximately 10:43 p.m., the Pasco Police Department requested assistance from the Walla Walla Sheriff’s Office in checking a residence in Burbank to see if a particular vehicle was present. Due to deputies being tied up with a DUI arrest, Pasco Police sent one of their officers to Burbank to check the residence.

Finding the vehicle they were inquiring about at the Burbank residence, Pasco PD sent multiple units to the residence with the intent of arresting a subject for multiple felonies through their jurisdiction. The wanted male, Philip Stroh, age 65, shot at Pasco officers as they were trying to negotiate with him to surrender. Instead, Mr. Stroh barricaded himself inside the residence.

The Walla Walla Regional SWAT and Pasco SWAT responded to the scene. Numerous attempts to get the subject to peacefully surrender were unsuccessful.

At approximately 5:25 a.m. a drone was sent into the residence and discovered the subject motionless on the floor. SWAT Medics entered the residence and discovered the subject was deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot.

No shots were fired by any police agency on the scene.

Pasco Police Department and the Washington State Patrol assisted the Walla Walla Sheriff’s Office in this event.