Police Department

Credit Union Evacuated While SPD Officers Engage an Agitated Man

Ofc. John O'Brien, PIO

Tuesday, December 15, 2020 at 5:15 p.m.

A credit union was evacuated while Spokane Police officers engage an agitated man, armed with a knife that made threatening statements.

On December 14, 2020, around 2:45 p.m., in the area of 100 W. Nora Avenue, a man walked into a credit union wearing a backpack and a large knife on his hip. The man, David A. McFarland (57), was talking out loud stating he wanted the media to come to him.

An employee offered him a chair and McFarland responded, “Back off.”

McFarland began pacing back and forth in front of the teller line with his hand on his holstered knife. He stated he wanted a lot of witnesses and said, “I am going to have to protect myself. I have to defend myself. Don’t get any closer.”

An employee pressed the panic alarm due to McFarland’s behavior which frightened staff and customers.

Officers arrived on scene and began to evacuate the employees out of the bank while trying to engage McFarland in conversation. On-duty Hostage Negotiators responded as well.

McFarland threatened to cut officers if they approached. Fortunately, McFarland tripped and fell, and when he did, officers seized the opportunity to take him into custody without a use of force. McFarland was in possession of two knives.

Officers booked McFarland into the Spokane County Jail for Disorderly Conduct along with Weapon Brandishing or Intimidating.

No employees, McFarland nor officers were injured during this incident. #2020-20215240

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