Police Department

Courthouse Assault Arrest

Ofc. John O'Brien, PIO

Friday, March 22, 2019 at 12:43 p.m.

Citizens come to the aid of a female being assaulted by a man in the Spokane County Courthouse.

On March 20, 2019, around 3:15 pm, the desk officer for the Spokane City Police Department responded to the Spokane County Courthouse at 1100 W. Broadway to a report of a female (71) being assaulted by a man. Before the officer could arrive, two concerned citizens in the courthouse overheard the victim yelling, “Take your hands off me. Leave me alone” which prompted them to intervene. Prior to grabbing the victim, Jesus A. Fregoso (30) asked her where she lived and if she would like to engage in sex.

Fregoso, who had been kicked out of a courtroom because of his behavior, had the victim in his grip and refused to let her go. Fregoso’s actions and words created an enormous amount of fear in the victim.

The two male witnesses had to pry Fregoso’s grasp from the victim’s arms while they told him to let go. While trying to keep Fregoso on the ground until officers could arrive, Fregoso physically resisted their efforts and made comments stating they were going to have to kill him otherwise, if he was let up, he was going to rape the victim. Fregoso’s resistance to the restraining rose to a level that one of the men helping the victim had to strike Fregoso in the face to gain control.

Fregoso’s sister stated to police, if he is released, he will most likely hurt or murder someone. She felt her brother is extremely dangerous.

Fregoso was arrested on an outstanding Assault 4^th Degree warrant and a new charge of Assault 4^th Degree with Sexual Motivation. He was booked into the Spokane County Jail.

The actions of these concerned citizens may have prevented this vulnerable female from being victimized further.

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