Police Department

SPD Responds To Increase in Shootings

Julie Humphreys, Public Safety Communication Manager, 509.625.5868

Tuesday, February 15, 2022 at 4:34 p.m.

SPD actively investigating 10 shootings in the last week

On Saturday Feb 12^th at about 4:00 a.m., officers responded to a shooting call near Gordon and Division. The homeowner told officers he and his wife were sitting in their living room when a bullet was fired through the front window. He stated after the shot through his window, he grabbed his gun just before someone tried to break into his house through the door. Shots were exchanged between the homeowner and the suspect/s resulting in the house being struck numerous times as well as the suspect vehicle. Fortunately, no one was hurt in the shooting.

On February 9^th just after 6:30 p.m., SPD responded to the area of E. 5^th Ave and S. Fiske Ave on reports of a drive-by shooting. Officers discovered three new bullet holes at a duplex, which had been the site of several prior shootings. Multiple buildings were struck, but fortunately no one was injured.  Several hours later officers responded to the 3100 block of Francis on a report of another drive-by shooting. The investigation determined two suspects likely fired at least five rounds into a bedroom window while standing in the backyard. There were no injuries.

The number of shootings, including drive-bys, in Spokane has risen steadily, with 36 in 2018, 52 in 2019, 94 in 2020 and 152 in 2021. So far in 2022 there have been 21 reports of shootings (through 2/12/22). Drive-by shootings make up a portion of the shooting data, but shooting numbers also include case reports of shots fired that were found to be something other than a drive-by.

SPD Major Crimes and the Spokane Regional Safe Streets Task Force are actively investigating these shootings to identify and apprehend those responsible. The task force works to fight violent crime associated with gang activity and drug trafficking. SPD believes many of the drive-by shootings are not random, with some suspects believed to be responsible for multiple shootings.  Lack of cooperation from shooting victims and witnesses continues to be a major inhibitor in solving these cases.

SPD is requesting the assistance of anyone who may have information related to these or other drive-bys.

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