Police Department

Knife wielding 10-year-old, in crisis, safely taken into protective custody and provided with Mental Health care after incident.

Corporal Maplethorpe

Tuesday, June 23, 2020 at 11:12 p.m.

Today, June 23, 2020, at approximately 7:30 PM, Spokane Police responded to the 2900 block of E Decatur Ave for the report of a 10 year old girl wielding a knife and threatening her mother and siblings. 911 call takers were able to convince the family to exit the home and get to a safe location. 

On duty units from the Hostage Negotiator Team, SWAT team, Tactical Team and Behavioral Health Unit responded to the location and set up containment to protect the family and other bystanders in the area.  Officers contacted the juvenile and attempted to calm her until a Hostage Negotiator arrived.  The juvenile was seen several times, by officers, holding a large butcher knife to her head.  She made statements about wanting to kill others and wanting to harm herself.

After approximately an hour of negotiating, the juvenile dropped the knife and peacefully exited the home.  The juvenile was transported to the hospital where she was treated for minor self-inflicted cuts and provided mental health care.

This incident highlights the outstanding patience, exemplary judgement and extensive training the officers of the Spokane Police department bring to every call on a daily basis. 

If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health crisis there are many resources available to help.  Please call Frontier Behavior Health 24 hour Crisis Line (1-877-266-1818) or Crime Check (509-456-2233).

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