Ofc. Daniel Strassenberg, PIO
Thursday, June 6, 2024 at 1:17 p.m.
Multiple arrests made after downtown Pride mural is vandalized
On June 5th, 2024 just before 9pm Spokane Police Officers responded to the intersection of Howard Street and Spokane Falls Boulevard on a report of a vandalism incident. 911 received a complaint advising multiple subjects on scooters were causing damage to the newly painted Pride mural. Four subjects were observed damaging the mural. Several witnesses observed the crime and one of the suspects yelled obscenities toward them before leaving the area.
Officers observed widespread damage as black scuff marks consistent with scooter wheels were observed across the entirety of the mural. The area is clearly marked to keep traffic away as it was just re-painted to repair previous damage.
Officers spoke with witnesses and obtained descriptions of the suspects. Video surveillance of the incident was utilized as well. Thirty-four minutes after the initial 911 call, officers located three suspects who matched witness descriptions and video surveillance and detained them in the area Washington and Spokane Falls Boulevard.
Ruslan V.V. Turko (19) was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail for 1st Degree Malicious Mischief. Two additional suspects (minors) were arrested and booked into the Spokane County Juvenile Detention Center for the same charge.
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Julie Humphreys
509.622.5868
jhumphreys@spokanepolice.org