SPD arrests suspect for firing gun at bar patrons after being asked to leave the bar

Julie Humphreys Public Safety Communication Manager


Monday, July 15, 2024 at 6:02 p.m.


On Sunday night just after 9:00pm, Spokane Police were informed a man was drinking at a bar in the 1400 block of E. Illinois Ave. and began arguing with another patron. Responding officers learned the man was cut off from the bar and asked to leave which he did, stopping in the parking lot and urinating in full view of the patrons in an outdoor patio area. The man then produced a gun and fired 2-3 rounds toward the bar and the patrons in the outside area. A bullet hole was found in the fence around the patio. Thankfully, no one was hit.  Officers quickly located the man nearby and arrested him. The suspect had left the gun in a recycling container in an effort to hide it. The gun was loaded and left near children riding their bicycles.

Mateo L. Bear (22) was booked into the Spokane County Jail on 10 counts of 1st Degree Assault. He faced a judge this afternoon where his bail was set at $250,000.



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Julie Humphreys
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