Police Department

SPD Arrests Man for Illegally Possessing Firearms

Ofc. Shane Phillips, PIO

Friday, April 14, 2017 at 4:14 p.m.

On April 13, 2017 the Spokane Police Department arrested Robert W. Crampton (84 years old) after conducting an investigation regarding him illegally possessing firearms. Crampton was convicted of three felony criminal law violations in 2013 after becoming involved in a shooting with the North Las Vegas Police Department. The shooting occurred after the North Las Vegas Police Department responded to Crampton’s residence on a complaint of a domestic dispute. Crampton was reportedly suicidal and engaged police with a firearm. Police responded and Crampton was shot several times, however he survived.

The investigation into Crampton began after Detectives from the Targeted Crimes Unit received information that Crampton was in possession of several firearms.

The Targeted Crimes Unit is an offender based investigative team comprised of four Detectives and one Investigative Sgt. The unit works in collaboration with a number of agencies including the Federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms, as well as the Washington State Department of Corrections.

The investigative information caused Detectives to request and execute a search warrant at Crampton’s residence and on his vehicle. While executing the search warrant Detectives located 36 firearms including several semi-autoloading pistols and rifles. Detectives also located several items associated with firearms including 35,000 to 40,000 rounds of ammunition, magazines, and ballistic vests.

Due to information gleaned during the investigation Detectives from the Special Investigation Unit, the K-9 unit, the Explosive Disposal Unit, and the ATF were called to assist. Sgt. Sean Wheeler of The Spokane Police K9 unit was also summoned to assist. Sgt. Wheeler supervises the K-9 unit and is partnered with Ryker. Ryker and Sgt. Wheeler are a WSPCA certified team trained to locate and identify several different explosive foundational odors.

During the course of the investigation Detectives learned Crampton was convicted in the State of Nevada after the incident with the North Las Vegas Police Department. Crampton served his prison sentence along with the subsequent community custody sentence (supervised probation). Crampton then moved to the Spokane Washington area. The firearms located were reportedly purchased legally by Crampton prior to becoming a convicted felon. Detectives will continue to investigate this aspect of the case. Crampton was somehow able to obtain possession of the firearms after his release from prison. Crampton maintained possession of the firearms after moving to Washington State.

Crampton was booked into the Spokane County jail on several counts of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. Unlawful Possession of a Firearm is a Washington State criminal code that specifically prohibits people with prior felony convictions from possessing firearms.

Detectives are continuing their investigation as to the legality and origin of firearms.

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