Ofc. Daniel Strassenberg, PIO
Wednesday, March 27, 2024 at 4:47 p.m.
UPDATE 4/11/24:
SPD makes additional arrests in Downtown robbery
On 4-10-24, SPD completed an investigation into a violent robbery carried out by a group of young people, that took place in Downtown Spokane on 3-26-24 (see original release below). On the date of the robbery, officers initially contacted and arrested 4 subjects in connection with the incident. Additional video evidence that revealed other suspects were involved in this crime was released publicly. With the help of tips provided by the public, community partners and the diligent work of Major Crimes Detectives, three outstanding suspects were located and arrested.
Gerson M. Orellana (19) was charged with 1st Degree Armed Robbery and 3rd Degree Assault. Orellana was booked into the Spokane County Jail on 4-8-24. Additionally, two minors were charged with 1st Degree Robbery and booked into the Spokane County Juvenile Detention Center. An additional charge for 3rd Degree Assault was added for one of the minors. This brings an element of closure to a violent incident with the arrests of a total of 7 suspects. The case has now been turned over to the Spokane County Prosecutors Office.
UPDATE 3/29/24: SPD seeks assistance in identifying additional suspects in a robbery and assault in Downtown Spokane on Tuesday. Spokane Police arrested 4 people shortly after the robbery (see original release below). The video links and images show a number of additional involved persons during the attack and just prior at the ATM where the victim withdrew the cash. If you can identify any of the people in the images, or have additional information on this incident and haven’t already talked to police, please contact the SPD Tip Line at 509 242-TIPS (8477) or email SPDtipline@spokanepolice.org.
Original Media Release:
On 3-26-24 at 6:24pm, Spokane Police responded to the area of 200 N Wall on a report of a robbery. Upon arriving, officers contacted two victims who had been pepper sprayed while sitting in a vehicle. The victims were an adult male and an adult female and their injuries were consistent with being sprayed with pepper spray or similar chemical agent. The male victim advised he had walked over to retrieve some money from an ATM while the female remained in the car. An unknown male tried to talk with the male victim after he obtained his money. Feeling uneasy, the victim quickly returned to his vehicle and got inside. A group of males chased the victim and pulled open the car door as he tried to close it.
The suspects demanded the victims money. A struggle ensued inside the vehicle when one of the suspects sprayed pepper spray, striking both occupants. The victims begged the suspects to stop. Due to the violent actions of the crime, the victim handed over the money and the suspects fled on foot. Officers flooded the area searching for the suspects. A witness advised the suspects were wearing masks and hooded sweatshirts as they ran away. While in the Riverfront Park area, officers observed a group of subjects walking north who matched witness descriptions. Upon seeing the officers, the suspects began throwing items that appeared to be cash and a backpack into the river. Officers quickly detained four suspects with the help of Park Rangers after they ran in different directions. Officers developed probable cause and the following suspects were booked into the Spokane County Jail for 1st Degree Armed Robbery:
A fourth suspect (a minor) was booked into the Spokane County Juvenile Detention Center for 1st Degree Armed Robbery, Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer, and Minor In Possession of liquor. Officers recovered a canister of bear spray during the arrests.
For in progress crimes and emergencies call 911
To report a non-emergent crime contact:
To provide crime activity or suspect information that doesn't require immediate action contact:
For general police email contact:
eraspdweb@spokanepolice.org
For nuisance reports, including code violations (i.e. illegal camping, substantial litter in yards or alleys, graffiti, land use violations), parking complaints, and road condition issues contact:
Julie Humphreys
509.622.5868
jhumphreys@spokanepolice.org
Crime Check: 509.456.2233
Tipline: 509.242.TIPS (8477)
My Spokane: 311, or for outside city limits, 509.755.CITY (2489)
spdwebmail@spokanepolice.org
