Police Department

Attempted Carjacking in Downtown Spokane

Ofc. Jacquelyn Valencia, PIO

Tuesday, February 14, 2023 at 4:46 p.m.

Attempted carjacking Downtown results in a quick arrest by SPD officers

On February 14, 2023, around 9:00 am, officers were dispatched to the 900 block of W. 2^nd Ave for an attempted carjacking.  911 received a call from a male victim saying someone attempted to take his vehicle while he was sitting in the vehicle.  The victim told dispatch that a man opened his car door, punched him and tried to force him out of the vehicle. After a brief altercation, the victim was able to prevent the suspect from entering his vehicle which led to the suspect giving up and walking away.     

Within minutes of the incident, officers were on scene attempting to locate the suspect.  The suspect was quickly located and after a short foot pursuit he was taken into custody.  The suspect is identified as Robert J. Kelly (29).  He was placed under arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail for attempted robbery in the 1^st degree, obstructing a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest.  Kelly was also arrested on numerous active warrants including assault in the 3^rd degree.

Kelly has 4 prior felony convictions to include; malicious mischief in the second degree (two separate counts), residential burglary and a prior controlled substance conviction. 

At the beginning of January, the Spokane Police Department doubled the numbers of officers downtown. The larger police presence has resulted in quicker response times and more arrests.  SPD acknowledges the adverse effects criminal incidents have had on our Downtown community. We continue to work with business and community members to make our Downtown as safe as possible.

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