Police Department

Suicidal Man Causes School Lockdown in North Spokane

Ofc. Benjamin Maplethorpe

Thursday, May 31, 2018 at 3:06 p.m.

Today, May 31 2018, at approximately 10:30 AM, Spokane Police Dispatch received information about a local man threatening suicide. The caller advised the man had a firearm and was running down the street in the 1000 block of E Central Ave. Nearby schools were immediately put into lockdown for the protection of the students and faculty.

Several Police units, including plain clothes detectives, were in the area within minutes and located the man running down the street near N Helena St and W Joseph Ave. The man was safely taken into custody and the firearm was located in the subject’s bag. The firearm was a very realistic looking replica.

The man was transported to a local hospital for evaluation. The school lockdowns were precautionary and no students or faculty were in danger. The schools reopened after the man was taken into custody.

All Spokane Police Officers receive extensive training in Crisis Intervention and de-escalation techniques. These skills are extremely important in incidents such as this and lead to better outcomes for all involved.

If you, or anyone you know, is experiencing a mental health crisis, please call First Call for Help at 509-838-4428. If it is an emergency call 911 or CrimeCheck at 509-456-2233.

• Newer
• Older