Police Department

Spokane Police Department Assault Arrest

Cpl. Ronald Van Tassel

Monday, February 5, 2018 at 9:52 a.m.

The Spokane Police Department investigated an assault with pepper spray Friday afternoon. The incident happened at the “Hi Tek” nail salon, located inside the Crescent Court building, 707 W Main. Two suspects fled the scene on foot, one was detained and another was able to get away.

On February 2^nd, 2018, just after 1:30 pm Officers were dispatched to the Crescent Court for an assault. Witnesses reported that two males walked up to a business and sprayed pepper spray inside, then fled on foot. Several downtown security Officers witnessed the two males fleeing the scene and attempted to follow them. The suspects ran out of the location and then south on Lincoln St. A Police Officer located the two males still running at 1^st and Lincoln. The males attempted to run down an alleyway and hide in a parking lot. One male was arrested there and the other male was able to get away.

The victims of the assault complained of burning eyes and skin irritation. All of them were left coughing, sneezing and had a hard time breathing. None of the injuries required anybody to have to go to the hospital.

The suspect who was caught was identified as 18 year old James High. He was still in possession of the canister of pepper spray that was used in the assault. High was booked into jail for 5 counts of 3^rd degree assault and 1 count of possession of a controlled substance. When asked why he sprayed innocent people with pepper spray, High stated that he and the other male just wanted to go and do stupid stuff.

Officers from the downtown unit were able to watch video of the incident. Due to their knowledge of some of the people downtown, they were able to identify the male who got away and will submit for a warrant for him. Due to him being a juvenile, we are not going to identify him at this time.

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