Police Department

Park Gathering Results in Shot Fired

Julie Humphreys, Communications Manager, 509.625.5868

Monday, June 26, 2023 at 4:39 p.m.

SPD responds to a shooting at a north side park

Early Saturday morning 6/24/23, officers responded to a report of a group of people fighting at Franklin Park and a gunshot fired. As officers arrived several people and cars were leaving. Most contacted were not cooperative with police and no victim was found. Officers did locate a shell casing but the identity of a suspect is unknown. Many of those gathered at the park afterhours were juveniles.

Tonight the Spokane City Council is considering an ordinance making it a misdemeanor to be in city parks afterhours. The ordinance will give officers the authority to make contacts and detain individuals gathered in the parks outside of park hours and make arrests if necessary. The intent of the ordinance is to deter people from gathering in the parks when they are closed with the goal to prevent situations from escalating to violent criminal activity. It is not uncommon in other law enforcement jurisdictions in WA State to classify afterhours gatherings in city parks and spaces as a misdemeanor.

Incidents like the one in Franklin Park over the weekend are happening in our city parks with increased frequency. Last year there were 3 shootings with victims struck by gunfire in city parks afterhours. Additionally, calls for service to city parks have also increased substantially over the past few years.

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