Police Department

SPD Officers Arrest Stabbing Suspect within Minutes

Ofc. Teresa Fuller, 509.835.4568, tfuller@spokanepolice.org

Thursday, January 14, 2016 at 1:08 p.m.

Spokane Police Officers, responding to a stabbing last night, arrested Martin L. Burnell (25) just blocks away and within 5 minutes of the original call to 911. The victim suffered non-life threatening stab wounds and was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Burnell was booked into Spokane County Jail for 1st Degree Assault.

Just after 6:00pm last night, Jan. 13, 2016, officers responded to the report of a stabbing at the Goodwill Outlet store in the 1400 block of east Front. As officers were arriving on scene, a brief description of the suspect was broadcast. Ofc. Amy Woodyard saw a male fitting that description at Helena/Trent and also noticed that, despite the downpour of rain, his clothes appeared relatively dry. He was sitting on the front steps of a closed business, smoking a cigarette. Ofc. Woodyard contacted him and he was taken into custody without incident.

Witnesses reported the male had been walking around the store, walked up to the victim and stabbed her multiple times, saying “Sorry” and then left the building on foot. It does not appear the suspect and victim knew each other and, at this time, Burnell’s motive is unknown.

Several witnesses rendered first aid to the victim until officers arrived. The victim stated she did not know Burnell and had never seen him before. She was transported to an area hospital for her injuries. No other people were injured during this incident.

Burnell will be in court at 1:30 today.

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