Police Department

SPD Safely Takes Armed Man into Custody in Downtown Spokane

Ofc. Nick Briggs

Tuesday, May 29, 2018 at 9:43 a.m.

SPD safely takes armed man into custody in downtown Spokane.

On 05-25-18 a little before 7:30PM, SPD responded to the report of a man waiving a knife erratically in the zero hundred block of W Main Ave, in front of Zola’s bar. Officers arrived on scene and located the adult male who was still holding the knife.

The male was initially uncooperative and refused to surrender. After a couple minutes of communication the male was taken into custody without incident. At the time there were dozens of people in the immediate vicinity, some within yards of the armed individual.

During the subsequent investigation it was learned the detained male had actually been the 911 caller. The male admitted his intent was to wait for a police response and cause an officer involved shooting.

The male was booked into Spokane County Jail for weapons apparently capable of producing bodily harm-unlawful display (brandishing). Additionally the male will be referred to mental health resources for an evaluation.

This is an example of the interface between the criminal justice system and mental health resources. The male was criminally charged in order to hold him accountable for the very dangerous situation he created for citizens, and officers. Additionally he will be put in touch with resources that hopefully will address the underlying cause of his behavior.

SPD is very thankful the situation ended with no one injured. Due to the mental health aspect of this case, the subject’s name is not being released.

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