Police Department

Hours Long Barricade Situation Ends with Suspect Arrested Without Incident

Julie Humphreys, Public Safety Communication Manager, 509.625.5868

Friday, February 2, 2024 at 8:40 a.m.

Updated Feb. 2, 2024

Hours long barricade situation ends with suspect arrested without incident 

This morning 2/1/24, shortly before 6am Spokane Police responded to a domestic violence threat to kill call at a house in the 5000 block of N. Helena. SPD resources including SWAT, hostage negotiators, and the Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU) responded and assisted in removing all persons from the residence, including an elderly, immobile person. Officers then made numerous attempts over the next several hours to negotiate with the suspect and get him to exit the house. The suspect would not comply with PA announcements and calls from negotiators to surrender.

Officer obtained a search warrant and formulated a plan to facilitate an arrest. Due to concerns of a possible firearm being involved,  an EDU robot was introduced to the house for further communication with the suspect. After a short time, the suspect exited the home and was taken into custody without incident. Ian S. Gilbertz (40) was charged with Felony Harassment, Weapons Involved and  2^nd Degree Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. He was booked into the Spokane County Jail. Gilbertz has 6 prior misdemeanor convictions including several protection order violations.

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