Police Department

Multiple Arrests after Search Warrant Service

Cpl. Nick Briggs, PIO

Wednesday, November 10, 2021 at 12:45 p.m.

SPD arrests multiple individuals, recovers firearms, in Valley search warrant service

On 11-9-21, an investigation conducted by SPD’s Patrol Anti-Crime Team (PACT) led to a residence in the 600 block of N University in Spokane Valley. Officers observed a stolen vehicle in front of the home, and noted the car was occupied by several individuals.

24-year-old Jonathan Cortes Martinez was arrested for possession of that stolen vehicle. A rifle was observed in the stolen car, and the vehicle was impounded pending execution of a search warrant. 

SPD officers determined at least one wanted person was in the residence. 30-year-old Katie Torrez had an outstanding warrant for vehicle theft. Additionally, recent information suggested Torrez was armed with a handgun. Torrez initially refused to exit the house.

PACT team members obtained a search warrant for the residence. Due to the involvement of firearms and an uncooperative suspect(s), specialty resources in the form of SWAT and Hostage Negotiators were utilized.

Negotiators were able to convince Torrez to exit the structure and she was taken into custody without incident. Also arrested during the execution of the search warrant was 37-year-old Ezra Jensen. Jensen had an outstanding Department of Corrections warrant for a community custody violation stemming from a murder conviction.

Three additional firearms, including one which was reported stolen, were recovered during the search of the residence.

Neither Torrez nor Jensen are lawfully able to possess firearms due to their criminal history. Torrez has nine felony convictions including assault 2^nd and residential burglary. Jensen has multiple felony convictions which include burglary, taking a motor vehicle without permission, and murder 2^nd degree.

The investigation is on-going and additional charges are possible. N University was closed for about an hour, but has been reopened.

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