Police Department

Suspect Arrested for Multiple Charges After SWAT Standoff

Cpl. Nick Briggs, PIO

Friday, August 18, 2023 at 8:34 a.m.

Rape, robbery suspect engages police in lengthy standoff

On 08-16-23, SPD responded to an apartment building in the 200 block of E 2^nd Ave regarding an assault. SPD officers located a bloody and distraught adult female victim who indicated a male acquaintance had assaulted her.

The initial investigation indicated the victim was threatened, assaulted with a knife, sexually assaulted, and robbed of her property while inside the suspect’s residence.

Officers attempted to contact the reportedly armed suspect, however he would not surrender or engage in dialogue with police. Due to the nature and violence of the crimes alleged, the suspect reportedly being armed, and the suspect’s lack of cooperation, specialty resources including SWAT and negotiators responded to the scene.  

Negotiators attempted for several hours to communicate with the suspect and peacefully resolve the situation. The suspect continued to scream at officers but would not surrender or otherwise cooperate. A search warrant for his residence was granted, and chemical agents were introduced into the apartment, ultimately forcing the suspect out where he was taken into custody without further incident.

The suspect, 44-year-old Rashad Beckham, was booked into Spokane County Jail for Robbery 1^st degree, Rape 1^st degree, and Kidnapping 1^st degree. The investigation, which is being conducted by SPD’s Major Crimes Unit, is on-going and additional charges are possible. Beckham has 13 felony convictions, including multiple convictions for assault, in addition to residential burglary and riot with a deadly weapon.

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