Police Department

Standoff With Armed Subject Ends: Subject Arrested, No Injuries

Officer John O'Brien

Thursday, July 13, 2017 at 2:07 a.m.

Standoff With Armed Subject Ends: Subject Arrested, No Injuries

Spokane Police Officers responded to a victim who reported being threatened by his roommate when a rifle was pointed at him inside their residence in the area of 1000 E. Sanson Avenue. The victim fled the location and called the police. The victim was not injured. Several other people were inside the home during the incident. Attempts were made to get the suspect to surrender and after seven hours, the suspect was taken into custody inside the residence.

On July 12th, 2017 at about 6:00 PM, Spokane Police Officers contacted a male that reported his roommate, Derrick G. Bonato (37), pointed a rifle at him during an argument inside a residence in the area of 1000 E. Sanson Avenue. The victim fled the location to a safe place to call police.

Officers contacted the victim then went to the Sanson Avenue home and contacted several people outside. They provided information confirming Bonato was inside the location and there were firearms inside.

Officers secured a perimeter and evacuated neighbors to keep them safe. Officers tried to contact Bonato but were not successful. Numerous PA announcements were made to encourage Bonato to give up and walk out of the house.

With it clear the armed suspect knew the officers were outside and refused to exit the house, the SWAT and Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) were called to the scene.

A search warrant was applied for as the SWAT Team deployed. Announcements continued advising Bonato to peacefully exit. HNT members were unable to make contact with the Bonato.

About five and a half hours into the incident, a female came out of the house and she was safely led away by officers. Approaching six and a half hours into the standoff, two more males came out.

SWAT eventually searched the residence, located Bonato inside and took him into custody without incident.

Officers will search the house for evidence of the alleged crimes. Additional charges could be added.

Bonato has three felony convictions along with a conviction for violation of a domestic violence order. Bonato will be booked into the Spokane County jail and final charges determined after the residence is searched.

SPD would like to thank the neighborhood for the cooperation and patience they showed allowing officers to safely resolve this high risk incident.

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