Two armed robbery suspects in custody

Ofc. Teresa Fuller


Tuesday, November 12, 2013 at 8 a.m.


Incident #:13-381061

Spokane Police arrest two Armed Robbery suspects after a pursuit, home invasion and potential hostage situation. Eric S. Reisen, (22 years old) was arrested for 1st Degree Robbery, Attempt to Elude, Hit & Run, Residential Burglary, 1st Degree Burglary, 1st Degree Kidnapping, and other warrants. Other charges may be forthcoming as the investigation proceeds. Thomas N. Sweeney turned himself in with his parents at about 4 this morning and was booked for 1st Degree Robbery.

At around 8:30 p.m., Spokane police responded to the Rite Aid near Division/Rowan on an armed robbery. A handgun was displayed and prescription medications were taken. Officers were able to locate the suspect vehicle, a white 2007 Buick Lucerne, at Garland/Monroe when it pulled into the convenience store parking lot. When the officer activated his emergency lights, the car took off and a short pursuit ensued. Officers located the car, which had fresh damage from colliding with a pole and a handgun was visible inside, but the suspects were no longer in it.

A perimeter was set up to contain the suspects. The driver ran south and forced his way into an occupied residence in the 1500 block of W. Glass. As the police approaching the scene, the suspect broke out a window in the residence, climbed out, and cut himself in the process. He ran to another nearby house, forced entry and attempted to hold the female resident hostage.

At that point, officers arrived on scene, were in front of the home, heard the female’s scream, and saw the front door open. The female victim fought her way out the front door, while the male closed the door and locked it. Once a K-9 officer arrived on scene, officers entered the home in an attempt to apprehend the suspect. The suspect ran out the back, was confronted by officers and taken into custody without further incident. A duffel bag containing stolen medication was located in the back yard. Eric S. Reisen (22 years old) was arrested for 1stRobbery, Attempt to Elude, Hit & Run, Residential Burglary, 1stDegree Burglary, 1stKidnapping and warrants. Other charges could be forthcoming as the investigation proceeds.

Officers continued their investigation which led them to a second suspect name - “Tommy”. Tommy was later identified as 24 year old Thomas N. Sweeney. He turned himself in with his parents at about 4 a.m. this morning and was booked for 1st Degree Robbery.

There are no outstanding suspects in this incident.



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