Police Department

Domestic Violence Suspect in Custody After Fleeing State, Victim Sends Text Message Asking for Help

Officer Daniel Strassenberg, Public Information Office

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 at 4:26 p.m.

On March 10th, 2025 at approximately 1:20pm, SPD responded to a residence in the 2300 block of East Boone Avenue on a report of an assault. 911 was contacted by a male advising his mother had texted him asking for help. Officers quickly responded and were advised that the caller’s mother texted “get here quick”. A phone call to the victim by family revealed more concern as the female appeared to be under duress. As the son arrived at the location to check on his mother, he observed his step-father in front of the residence. The male displayed what appeared to be a firearm.

As officers were interviewing the son, the victim in the incident was contacted at another location. Information provided to officers indicated the female was assaulted inside the home and was prevented from leaving for several hours. Firearms were involved in the incident as the victim described an AR style rifle being pointed at her while on the phone. Officers observed the victim had sustained multiple injuries. The victim also advised officers the suspect was making threats of a “murder/suicide” while in the home. As the investigation progressed, officers developed probable cause to arrest the male for multiple charges to include 2nd Degree Assault- DV, 1st Degree Kidnapping- DV and Harassment. The suspect was identified as Duane Chickene, 47.

Based on the safety concerns with firearms being involved in the incident, multiple specialty units responded to the location. SWAT, Hostage Negotiators (HNT) and the Air Support Unit (ASU) arrived at the location and the home was surrounded. The information at hand indicated that Chickene was in the home. Attempts to communicate with him went on for several hours as every effort was made to de-escalate the situation. Brief contact was made with him by phone, but he was uncooperative. Officers applied for and were granted a search warrant to enter the residence. After communication attempts failed, officers entered the home. The suspect was not found inside the residence. Officers located multiple firearms to include an AR-15 style rifle.

A short time later, SPD was advised that Chickene had fled to Montana and was a suspect in a vehicle theft. He was taken into custody in the morning hours near Babb, Montana and will be extradited back to Washington State in regard to the charges filed in the incident. If you or someone you know is in need of help, please contact the Domestic Violence Helpline at 509-326-CALL.

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