Police Department

SPD Arrests Intruder for Residential Burglary and Arson After Home Set on Fire

Ofc. Daniel Strassenberg, PIO

Tuesday, May 21, 2024 at 2:29 p.m.

SPD arrests intruder for Residential Burglary and Arson after home set on fire

On May 20^th, 2024 at just before 6am, Spokane Police responded to an occupied burglary in progress in the 900 block of East Augusta Avenue.  A resident in the home woke to find the living room area had been ransacked and a subject/s was still in the residence.  Patrol officers arrived in less than 5 minutes to the location and could hear glass breaking from inside as they approached.  An SPD K9 unit responded to the home to assist with the call.

After confirming no other residents of the home were inside, officers made verbal requests for the suspect/s to reveal themselves and surrender.   A male made a brief appearance at a window, yelled at officers and did not comply with commands to surrender.  As officers began a search of the residence, they could smell smoke and flames could be seen in an upper bedroom area. Significant  flames were visible coming from the bottom of a closed bedroom door.  Due to the immediate danger of the active fire, officers forced open the bedroom door where it was believed the suspect was hiding.

Officers tried to get the door open while the suspect attempted to keep the door closed.  Upon getting the door open, officers encountered a non-compliant male.  The suspect was contacted by a police K9.  During this time, it appeared the suspect was attempting to assault the K9.  Officers were finally able to detain and arrest the suspect inside the bedroom.  The male was the only suspect found inside the home.  The suspect was transported to a local hospital for treatment.  While at the hospital, the suspect assaulted medical staff by spitting on a physician.   

Marlon E. Laffoon (32) was booked into the Spokane County Jail on the following charges:

• 1^st Degree Arson
• Residential Burglary
• 3^rd Degree Assault
• Obstructing
• Resisting Arrest
• 3^rd Degree Theft From a Building

Laffoon has extensive criminal history with prior felony convictions for 3^rd Degree Assault and Possession of a Stolen Vehicle.  The fire set by the suspect as officers entered the home caused significant damage to floors, walls and a bedroom door.

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