Police Department

SPD Responds to Social Media Video of Arrest

Julie Humphreys, Communications Manager, 509.625.5868

Friday, May 19, 2023 at 4:58 p.m.

The Spokane Police Department responds to questions about video of an arrest being shared on social media

On 5/18/23 around 4:30pm, SPD officers responded to a call of a person with a weapon who was spitting at and threatening a security guard in the area of McLellan and 2^nd Ave.  Upon arrival, the officer learned from the guard that the same person who threatened her had thrown an apple at someone riding a scooter, nearly hitting the scooter rider in the head, and when the guard told the man to quit the behavior he became extremely aggressive and moved toward the guard. The guard relayed that although she had never pulled her baton before, she eventually did so and told the man to get back, the man threw something at the guard and walked away. As the officer was interviewing the victim, another call came in that a man fitting the description of the subject in this incident was assaulting multiple people a block away. The officer headed that direction and encountered the subject, informing him he was being detained and to comply. The subject was non-compliant and made a motion with his arm that appeared as though he was going to throw a punch at the officer. The officer then attempted to detain the man as he continued to struggle and tried to fight with the officer.  None of the encounter leading up to when the officer was able to subdue the subject was shown on the video taken by a citizen and posted on social media. SPD has provided the body worn camera video link of this portion of the call for service https://vimeo.com/828488284?share=copy, as well as a link to the entire call including the officers interview with the guard. https://vimeo.com/828484009?share=copy

The officer used a ground control technique where a subject’s head is held into the officers body while also maintaining control of the subject’s arm, not touching the neck, in an effort to transition to a cuffing position. The position allowed the officer to call for backup while detaining the subject in an approved and effective manner. The man stated he was “done” and relaxed slightly allowing the officer to roll the subject over and place him in handcuffs although the subject continued to struggle while being handcuffed, attempting to grab the officer’s hand and twist it. This also is not evident in the video posted online.

SPD Patrol Officers are equipped with body worn cameras that capture a video perspective of an entire police encounter.  These videos often provide an important perspective to the incidents that our officers encounter each day.  This perspective can be particularly valuable in better understanding the circumstances leading to an arrest and the level of resistance that an officer encounters.

Allonzo M. Paige – 30, was arrested for 3^rd degree assault, 4^th degree assault, and obstructing a law enforcement officer. He was booked into the Spokane County Jail.

• Newer
• Older