News Releases for 2024

March

South Suspension Pedestrian Bridge in Riverfront Park Re-Opens Today A

March 15 at 3:18 p.m. - The newly renovated South Suspension Pedestrian Bridge in Riverfront Park re-opened to the public this morning.

SPD Seeks Assistance in Identifying Suspect in Armed Robbery

March 15 at 12:24 p.m. - The suspect is described as a white male in his 40’s, about 6ft with a medium build and last seen wearing a tan jacket, ball cap, hoodie & blue jeans.

City Opens Application Process for West Quadrant TIF Advisory Committe

March 15 at 11:44 a.m. - City seeks residents to advise on the use of public tax increment funds in the West Quadrant Tax Increment Financing District.

SPD Arrests Suspect for a Stabbing and Unlawful Imprisonment

March 14 at 5 p.m. - SPD arrests suspect for a stabbing and unlawful imprisonment in a domestic violence incident, suspect released by court after first appearance.

Downriver Golf Course Opens Saturday, March 16

March 14 at 2:10 p.m. - Downriver Golf Course is planning to open Saturday, March 16 for the season.

Anderson Recommended As City’s Next CHHS Director

March 13 at 10:13 a.m. - Anderson Recommended As City’s Next Community, Housing And Human Services Director.

Investigators Release Cause of Fatal House Fire

March 13 at 9:18 a.m. - Investigators from the Special Investigations Unit have concluded that the fatal fire on West Elmhurst Ave was deliberately started.

SPD Investigating Serious Collision on Highway 2

March 13 at 7:13 a.m. - The Spokane Police Department is currently investigating a serious traffic collision which occurred on Highway 2 near Spotted Road.

SPD Arrests Male for Commercial Burglary, Felony Drug Warrant

March 12 at 3:51 p.m. - On 3-5-24 at 4:48am, SPD responded to a burglary in the 800 block of West Riverside Avenue.

SPD honors fallen WSP Trooper

March 12 at 1:27 p.m. - The City Of Spokane and Spokane Police Department honor fallen Washington State Trooper

Illegal Camping Cause of Garage Fire, Displaces Two Families

March 12 at 10:09 a.m. - On Monday, March 11, 2024, at 8:55 a.m., the Spokane Fire Department received a call about a house fire on the 00 block of East Rockwell Avenue.

Flags Lowered for Fallen Trooper Christopher Gadd

March 12 at 9:22 a.m. - Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown has ordered flags at all City facilities be lowered to half-staff.

Qualchan and Esmeralda Golf Courses Open this Week

March 11 at 4:39 p.m. - Qualchan opens March 13, Esmeralda opens March 15

Quick Response Limits Fire Damage to Home

March 11 at 2:40 p.m. - Engine 15 promptly arrived at the scene within three minutes and confirmed a fire in the basement of a split-level home.

DUI Collision and Suspect Assaults Hospital Staff

March 11 at 8:51 a.m. - After an injury collision SPD Officers arrest a woman for DUI/vehicular assault, no interlock device when required and driving while license suspended

Mayor Brown Applauds Legislature's Investments Across Spokane

March 8 at 9:50 a.m. - Millions allocated to Spokane from across three state budgets

Mother of a Teenager in Jail for an April 2023 Homicide Also Booked

March 7 at 5:03 p.m. - The mother of a teenager in jail for an April 2023 homicide also booked for murder in the case

Spokane Public Library Hosts Weekly Water Wise Wednesday Workshops

March 7 at 2:27 p.m. - Spokane Public Library will host weekly Water Wise Workshops in collaboration with the City Water Department every Wednesday in March and April.

SPD Arrests Suspect Involved in String of Local Commercial Burglaries

March 6 at 2:37 p.m. - SPD arrests suspect involved in string of local commercial burglaries after patrol officers recognize suspect from security video.

DUI X 2

March 5 at 4:53 p.m. - DUI emphasis officers arrest a man for impaired driving during a traffic stop & then arrest his wife for the same crime when she pulls up to the scene

SPD Arrests Male for Malicious Mischief

March 5 at 2:32 p.m. - SPD arrests male for malicious mischief after causing over $10,000.00 of damage to medical care facility, Hostage Team negotiators respond to assist.

Apply For City Boards & Commissions to Ensure Inclusive Representation

March 5 at 11:25 a.m. - The City of Spokane is calling on its diverse and talented residents to apply for vacant positions on various boards and commissions.

Council Member Dillon Champions Ordinance Clarifying Parking Lot Uses

March 5 at 8:24 a.m. - Spokane City Council voted on an ordinance clarifying parking lot uses in Centers and Corridors.

Dillon and Zappone Lead Passage of Family Friendly Festivals Ordinance

March 5 at 8:21 a.m. - Council passed the “Family Friendly Festivals” Ordinance, which allows families to stay together at street festivals that serve alcohol.

Former Pasco Police Officer Sentenced in a Spokane Cold Case Murder

March 5 at 8:18 a.m. - A former Pasco Police Officer was sentenced in a Spokane cold case murder that spanned 38 years and resulted in two trials.

Spokane Police Department Responds to an Armed Barricaded Subject

March 4 at 1:10 p.m. - Spokane Police Officers, SWAT, HNT, EDU & K9 respond to an armed barricaded subject who attempted to light his residence on fire with a victim inside.

SPD Arrests Male for 1st Degree Robbery

March 4 at 7:49 a.m. - SPD arrests male for 1st degree robbery, store clerk stabbed during theft of a water bottle

SPD Looking for Suspect in Assault

March 1 at 4:03 p.m. - SPD seeking the public’s assistance in identifying a male who brazenly hit a business owner over the head with a flower pot.

SPD Arrests 8 Time Convicted Felon in Relation to Drive by Shooting

March 1 at 1:13 p.m. - Spokane Police Department arrests eight-time convicted felon in relation to drive by shooting.

SPD Seeking Assistance in Identifying a Theft Suspect

March 1 at 8:44 a.m. - SPD seeking assistance in identifying a theft suspect who has been stealing items from hospital patients.

Flags Lowered for Fallen Lance Corporal Donovan Davis

March 1 at 8 a.m. - Flags lowered to half-staff

February

SPD Arrests Suspect for Felony Theft

Feb. 29 at 4:33 p.m. - SPD arrests suspect for felony theft after cell phone stolen from a blind victim

CM Zappone and Local Officials Celebrate Passage of Hate Crimes Bill

Feb. 29 at 3:03 p.m. - Council Member Zack Zappone and local officials celebrate the passage of hate crimes legislation SB5917.

City Facilitates Community Plan for Emergency Warming Shelters

Feb. 29 at 12:47 p.m. - City also announces audit to assess current shelter capacity

13 Plus Year Sentence for Vehicular Homicide

Feb. 29 at 9:04 a.m. - Feb. 28, 2024 Jermaine J. Green was sentenced to more than 13 years in prison for vehicular homicide. The sentence stemmed from a collision in 2022.

Series of Incendiary Fires Concerns SFD Investigators

Feb. 27 at 3:26 p.m. - Spokane Fire Department's Special Investigations Unit is urging the public to stay vigilant to prevent further fires and aid in their investigations.

SPD Resources Challenged Over a Busy Weekend

Feb. 26 at 4:49 p.m. - SPD officers, investigators and members of specialty units respond to a high number of critical incidents creating a challenge for police resources.

SPD Requests Assistance in Locating Missing Indigenous Female

Feb. 22 at 3:28 p.m. - SPD requests public assistance in locating missing endangered indigenous female

SPD Investigation into Arrest Made by SCSO Sergeant Complete

Feb. 21 at 1:52 p.m. - SPD completes investigation into SCSO sergeant’s actions in the arrest of a man last August, charges forwarded to prosecutor.

SPD Offers Anti-Theft Devices

Feb. 20 at 4:37 p.m. - SPD offers anti-theft device in a continuing effort to curb vehicle theft issues plaguing KIA and Hyundai owners

Same Address, Two Standoffs, In Six Months

Feb. 20 at 2:16 p.m. - Spokane Police Officers arrest two men for felony assault charges after a standoff on the South Hill.

Fire Causes Damage to Local Business

Feb. 20 at 1:28 p.m. - Spokane Fire Department responded to a fire reported at Sparky’s Subs.

City to Resume Yard Waste Curbside Pickup Feb. 26

Feb. 20 at 1:24 p.m. - Yard waste, food scraps and some paper items accepted.

Police Resolve Potential Hostage Situation

Feb. 20 at 12:08 p.m. - Spokane Police take a man into custody after he threatened suicide with a gun and inferred he would harm his four-year-old child.

SPD’s Investigation into a Shooting on Feb. 16 Continues

Feb. 19 at 9:47 a.m. - SPD’s investigation into a shooting on 2-16-24 continues, multiple arrests made, one person deceased

Council Member Dillon Testifies in Support of Senate Bill 5917

Feb. 16 at 12:35 p.m. - Increasing penalties for defacing public and private property

SPD Arrests Prolific Burglary Suspect

Feb. 15 at 4:02 p.m. - SPD arrests prolific burglary suspect with additional investigations ongoing

Brown Administration Announces Police and Fire Chief Searches

Feb. 14 at 12:50 p.m. - Mayor Lisa Brown and Deputy City Administrator Maggie Yates announced details for the upcoming police and fire chief searches.

Officer Involved Shooting

Feb. 13 at 8:16 a.m. - Spokane Police Officers were involved in an officer involved shooting Monday afternoon.

SPD Officer Involved Shooting

Feb. 12 at 9:39 a.m. - Spokane Police Officers were involved in an officer involved shooting early Monday, Feb. 12.

Presidents' Day Is a Parking Meter Holiday

Feb. 12 at 8 a.m. - Garbage and recycling pickup on normal schedule

Juvenile Arrested with Stolen Firearm Fights with Police

Feb. 9 at 5 p.m. - SPD arrests teenager, after he assaulted a female juvenile, displayed a stolen gun to witnesses, and fought with police.

Local Scam Re-occurring

Feb. 9 at 4:52 p.m. - SPD wants to make Spokane residents aware of a possible new scam being used in the area to steal your money and possibly your identity.

Homicide suspect arrested

Feb. 9 at 4:46 p.m. - SPD arrested a homicide suspect wanted for second degree murder. The arrest is related to a shooting call that occurred last week.

Make Beacon Hill Public Phase II Community Meeting

Feb. 8 at 11:18 a.m. - Another community meeting with updates will be held Thursday, February 15, 2024 at 5:30 p.m.

SPD Arrests Criminal on Two Counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm

Feb. 8 at 10:22 a.m. - After being alerted to a possible murder suspect, SPD arrests a criminal for two counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 1st Degree.

Shoplifting Call Leads to Multiple Felony Arrests on South Hill

Feb. 7 at 6:57 a.m. - On 2-5-24 at approximately 3:30pm, Spokane Police Officers responded to the Target store in the 4900 block of South Regal on the report of a theft.

Spokane Police Respond to Fatal Automobile-versus-Pedestrian Collision

Feb. 5 at 11:55 a.m. - Driver arrested for vehicular homicide.

Suspect Arrested in Death of Child

Feb. 2 at 4:34 p.m. - The suspect is facing extradition back to Spokane

SPD Investigating Homicide

Feb. 2 at 4:26 p.m. - SPD responds to shooting call, one person deceased

SPD and SCSO Respond to Hostage Situation

Feb. 2 at 8:42 a.m. - Combined SPD/SCSO SWAT responds to hours long hostage situation, suspect arrested and children rescued.

Hours Long Barricade Situation Ends with Suspect Arrested

Feb. 2 at 8:40 a.m. - Hours long barricade situation ends with suspect arrested without incident.

City Council Briefed by Mayor's Transition Committees

Feb. 1 at 3:12 p.m. - Committees present priorities for Mayor’s first 100 Days

Officer Involved Shooting on Lower South Hill

Feb. 1 at 7:36 a.m. - Spokane Police Officers were involved in an officer involved shooting Wednesday evening in the area of Cliff Avenue and Stevens Street.

January

Mayor Brown, Transition Committees to Present Priority Recommendations

Jan. 31 at 10:02 a.m. - Five transition committees to present guidance on challenges and opportunities related to Spokane’s most important issues

Council Member Paul Dillon Champions First Two Ordinances

Jan. 31 at 8:18 a.m. - Council Member Paul Dillon champions first two ordinances with focus on community.

Governor to present Spokane with Smart Communities Award

Jan. 30 at 3 p.m. - Spokane recognized for innovative approach to middle housing

SPD locates shooting suspect within 4 minutes, suspect arrested

Jan. 29 at 8:21 a.m. - The shooting suspect was located within 4 minutes, arrested and booked into jail

SPD SPEAR unit arrests two for trafficking stolen property

Jan. 26 at 3:56 p.m. - The SPD Stolen Property Enforcement and Recovery (SPEAR) team completed a vehicle prowling/trafficking stolen property investigation this week.

Suspect in Fatal Vehicle Collision Found Guilty

Jan. 26 at 8:32 a.m. - Today, 1/25/24, in Spokane County Superior Court, a jury found the impaired driver guilty of vehicular homicide.

Intentionally Set Fire Severely Damages Home, Kills Two Dogs

Jan. 25 at 3:50 p.m. - On Wednesday, Jan. 24, 2024, at 9:45 p.m., SFD received a dispatch about a house fire in the 2600 block of East Desmet Ave.

SPD arrests suspect after house set on fire

Jan. 25 at 2:19 p.m. - Spokane Police officers responded to the 2600 block of East Desmet on a report of a structure fire.

SPD responds to an early morning homicide, suspect in custody

Jan. 24 at 2:24 p.m. - Spokane Police officers responded to a call of a man shot at a residence in the 3300 block of E. 55th Ave.

Spokane City Council Appoints Barbara Liliana Navarrete Lorenzo As New

Jan. 22 at 10:25 p.m. - Spokane City Council Appoints Barbara Liliana Navarrete Lorenzo As New City Council Member, District 2, Position 2

Council Passes Resolution Condemning Antisemitism and Islamophobia

Jan. 22 at 10:21 p.m. - Council Passes Resolution Condemning Antisemitism and Islamophobia during Monday night's Legislative Session.

Pair of Weekend House Fires Keep Spokane Firefighters Busy

Jan. 22 at 10:56 a.m. - Over the weekend, SFD responded to two working house fires, keeping our firefighters busy in addition to the increased weather-related calls.

City Completes Full-City Plow Jan. 21

Jan. 21 at 2:37 p.m. - Public Works departments team up for 24-hour operations and response.

SPD Arrests Suspect in Violent Crime Spree

Jan. 19 at 6:35 p.m. - Man who went on violent crime spree in Downtown Spokane booked into jail

Please Help Locate a Vulnerable Adult

Jan. 18 at 2:50 p.m. - Patrick has been located and is safe. Thank you for your assistance.

City to Transition Info Full-City Plow

Jan. 17 at 4:03 p.m. - Primary and secondary routes will be maintained with residential to follow.

SFD's Quick Actions Prevent Electrical Fire from Spreading Into Home

Jan. 17 at 2:58 p.m. - Please consult licensed electricians to ensure the safe use of multiple high-wattage appliances without overloading their electrical systems.

Arctic Temperatures Keep Spokane Firefighters Busy

Jan. 16 at 4:17 p.m. - SFD responded to four "working" fires over a three-day period.

City Prepares for Storm

Jan. 16 at 3:33 p.m. - Community urged to clear City streets of vehicles and be ready.

Council President Announces Candidate Interviews for the Vacant Seat

Jan. 16 at 1:44 p.m. - The recent election of Betsy Wilkerson to City Council President has created a vacancy on the city council, representing District 2, Position 2.

Package Theft Arrests

Jan. 16 at 7:54 a.m. - SPD SPEAR Team has success with holiday package theft operation

Second Suspect in Drive-By Shooting Arrested

Jan. 16 at 7:53 a.m. - Second suspect in a drive-by shooting last May arrested in Idaho

Additional Warming Spaces Now Open

Jan. 12 at 9:37 p.m. - The Cannon Street Shelter is now open for full-time service through January 18.

Spokane Public Library Opening Select Branches as Warming Centers

Jan. 12 at 4:24 p.m. - Spokane Public Library will open four locations on Monday, January 15 from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. to provide access to a warm indoor space.

Mayor Brown Appoints Interim Fire Chief

Jan. 12 at 10:44 a.m. - Deputy Fire Chief Julie O’Berg appointed to be Interim Chief

Latah Bridge Weight Restrictions Updated

Jan. 12 at 10:41 a.m. - Some heavy equipment and vehicles now require detour.

Major Crimes Unit Makes Arrest in 2021 Homicide

Jan. 12 at 8:52 a.m. - Major Crimes Unit arrests suspect for Murder stemming from seemingly unprovoked 2021 attack.

Mayor Brown Declares State of Emergency Due to Frigid Temperatures

Jan. 11 at 4:32 p.m. - Warming resources available to those who need them.

SPD Looking for Carjacking Suspect

Jan. 10 at 4:42 p.m. - SPD seeks assistance in identifying suspect in attempted carjacking

Chief Financial Officer Tonya Wallace Resigns

Jan. 10 at 3:38 p.m. - Mayor Brown appoints Matt Boston to fill vacancy

City Preparing for Incoming Cold Temperatures

Jan. 10 at 12:56 p.m. - Mayor Lisa Brown’s Administration is asking the community to prepare and familiarize themselves with resources available to them.

Early Morning Fire Causes Serious Damages to Garages and Contents

Jan. 9 at 11:32 a.m. - Tuesday, Jan. 9, 3:16 a.m., SFD received a dispatch to the garages behind the Trestle Creek Apartments.

City Closures Planned for MLK Jr. Day

Jan. 9 at 9 a.m. - Garbage and recycling pickup on normal schedule

SPD Arrest Two Following Armed Burglary, Vehicle Theft, and Pursuit

Jan. 9 at 8:12 a.m. - Spokane Police arrest two following armed burglary, vehicle theft, and multi-agency pursuit

Dillion and Zappone Introduce Family Friendly Festivals Ordinance

Jan. 8 at 1 p.m. - Council Members Dillon and Zappone will introduce the “Family Friendly Festivals” Ordinance to align the City policy with state requirements.

Mayor Brown's Statement on Upcoming Weather Emergency

Jan. 5 at 4:22 p.m. - In light of the impending weather emergency, Mayor Lisa Brown has issued a statement.

Mayor Brown appoints Kinder to be NHHS Director

Jan. 5 at 12:57 p.m. - Dawn Kinder to return to the City as Director of the Neighborhood, Housing, and Human Services Division

Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer Announces Retirement

Jan. 5 at 8:12 a.m. - Mayor Lisa Brown and Fire Chief Brian Schaeffer have mutually agreed on the Chief’s retirement from the Spokane Fire Department.

SPD 2023 Highlights

Jan. 4 at 4:12 p.m. - SPD is constantly evolving to better serve the community - see highlights, with special mention of highlights under Chief Meidl’s tenure at SPD.

SPD Arrests Suspect in Shooting Incident

Jan. 4 at 8:32 a.m. - SPD arrests suspect in shooting incident, along with related previous violent episodes

Spokane Police Seek Help Identifying Hospitalized Male

Jan. 2 at 9:26 a.m. - The male has been identified, thank you for your help.