SPD arrests convicted felon after standoff in North Spokane

Sgt. Lydia Taylor, 509.481.8656


Monday, October 21, 2013 at 9:30 p.m.


Incident #: 13-355816

Spokane Police arrest seven time convicted felon John Hartz (46) for 1st Assault Domestic Violence (DV), Threats to Kill DV, 1st Burglary DV and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm DV after a standoff in north Spokane. After hours of negotiations, the suspect was taken into custody without incident.

On 10-21-13 around 8:50 p.m. Spokane Police responded to 400 W Montgomery on a call of a person with a weapon. The caller stated the suspect, John Hartz, had threatened her with a shotgun and had cut her wrists. Police quickly arrived onscene and brought the caller out of the residence safely. The suspect, Hartz, refused to exit the residence.

Because Hartz was known to be armed, had demonstrated violence towards the complainant and had made threatening statements, SPD SWAT and Hostage Negotiators were called to respond to the scene. Hartz continued to refuse to exit the residence, even after negotiations. Gas was deployed into the residence. Hartz came out and was taken into custody without incident. Hartz was booked into jail for 1st Assault DV, Threats to Kill DV, 1st Burglary DV and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm DV. Hartz has an extensive criminal history including felony convictions for Intimidating a Judge, Unlawful Imprisonment, 2nd Assault, Possession of Controlled Substance and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.

Through quick response, negotiations, and use of non-lethal tactics, SPD was able to remove the complainant from a dangerous situation and bring a convicted felon into custody without incident.



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