City of Spokane Police Department

SPD makes arrest stemming from June, 2024 shooting incident

On July 19th, 2024 a combined effort involving multiple specialty units within SPD and the assistance of SCSO resulted in the arrest of a male suspect in regard to a shooting incident that took place last month in the area of Holy Names Court.

The incident started in a parking lot near Holy Names Court in North Spokane when an altercation took place amongst several people in a parked vehicle. A male who was a passenger in the vehicle exited the car and produced a firearm, firing several shots into the parked/occupied vehicle. One of the occupants was struck by the gunfire. The vehicle left the location to go to a nearby hospital when the car was stopped by law enforcement. SPD quickly responded to the incident and the tireless efforts by officers and detectives led to the information identifying the suspect.

On July 19th, SPD received information on a possible location of the shooting suspect and multiple specialty units responded in an attempt to locate and arrest the male. A vehicle containing the male was located in the area of Northwest Boulevard and Alberta Street. The vehicle was safely stopped and the suspect in the shooting was taken into custody without incident.

The male (17) was charged with 3 counts of 1st Degree Assault with a Firearm and one count of 1st Degree Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and is currently being held at the Spokane County Juvenile Detention Center.

Due to the incredible efforts of the following units, this outstanding violent suspect was safely taken into custody:

• Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF)
• Special Investigations Unit (SIU)
• SPD SWAT
• Spokane Regional Air Support Unit (SRASU/Air-1)

The vehicle occupant struck by the gunfire, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at a local hospital.

Our next is tomorrow this Saturday! We'll be at McDonald's at 2211 W. Wellesley, July 20th, from 9am-11am. Please join us for a free cup of brewed coffee, courtesy of McDonald's and some great conversation!

Midday shooting in North Spokane sends one to the hospital, suspect in custody

On July 18th, 2024 at 11:44am 911 was advised of an altercation in a parking lot involving two subjects, a male and a female. Additional information given to 911 stated the two involved parties were physically fighting before the female removed a firearm from a nearby vehicle and shot the male before leaving the scene.

Patrol officers arrived on scene within 6 minutes to find a male with a gunshot wound. Medics arrived shortly after and the victim was transported to a local hospital where he is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. Officers began searching for the suspect and related vehicle described during the initial 911 calls. Minutes after the shooting, 911 received a call from a female referencing the shooting incident.

Officers located the caller and the information at hand indicated she was somehow involved with the shooting. At the conclusion of the initial investigation, officers took the female into custody. Alexis V.J. Way (26) was arrested for 1st Degree Assault- Domestic Violence and booked into the Spokane County Jail.

Two in custody for robbery, victim transported to hospital with head injuries

On July 16th, 2024 just before 4:30pm, SPD responded to the area of Indiana Avenue and Atlantic Street on a report of a robbery. Officers arrived to find a victim who had sustained a head injury. Information provided to SPD revealed the victim made contact with two subjects, who were unknown to him, a male and a female. The nature of the contact was drug related. During the interaction with the two, the victim was struck in the head multiple times with an object similar to a stick or a pipe.

The victim was told to remove his clothes during the assault. Out of fear, the victim complied. Both suspects then walked away with the victim’s clothing, some cash and a cell phone. Provided with descriptions of the suspects from the victim and a nearby witness, officers quickly located the involved male and female. At the completion of the investigation, officers developed probable cause to arrest the following suspects for 1st Degree Robbery:

• Samantha R. Thexton (29)
• Tom A. Blake Jr. (24)

Blake has extensive criminal history and has a prior felony conviction for 3rd Degree Assault. Prior to booking Blake into jail, he exhibited symptoms consistent with a drug overdose and was administered several doses of Narcan and cleared by medical providers. Blake was then booked into the Spokane County Jail, as was Thexton and both appeared before a judge this afternoon Blakes bond was set at $50,000 for the robbery, Thexton’s at $10,000. The victim was transported to a local hospital with minor head injuries.

SPD investigating two shootings in North Spokane that occurred within three and a half hours of each other

On July 15th, 2024 Spokane Police responded to multiple shooting incidents that occurred in North Spokane. The first call came in at 2:30pm in the area of Wilding Drive and Fredericksburg Court. 911 was advised that shots were heard in the area and that a red SUV was possibly involved. Patrol officers quickly responded and located shell casings, but no victims called in or were located.

Reference 2024-20141407

At just after 6pm, a second shooting call was reported to 911 in the area of 3300 N Lacey Avenue. Officers responded and located a male with a minor head injury. That subject was transported to a local hospital where medical providers determined the injury was not gunshot related. Information obtained by officers revealed a fight broke out amongst a group of people and a subject produced a handgun, firing the weapon. After the shooting took place, a silver SUV fled the scene. Officers located a shell casing during the investigation.

Reference 2024-20141478

If you have any information regarding either shooting, please contact Crime Check at 509 456-2233.

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

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.

SPD responds to 2 separate drive-by shootings, suspect arrested in one shooting

On 7/15/24 just after 3am, Spokane Police responded to a call at the 6000 block of N. Addison St. about a large group of people fighting with a shot fired. Police arrived to find numerous people fleeing the area, both in cars and on foot. Officers stopped a vehicle leaving the scene occupied by 4 people including 3 juveniles, whom it was learned, were all involved in the fight that took place during a party in the parking lot of the location. Officers removed the occupants from the car and observed a handgun on the back seat. The investigation showed at one point during the party, the teenage driver went to the vehicle, got the gun and fired a shot. No injured persons were found.

Jordan L Boren (18) was booked into the Spokane County Jail on Drive-By Shooting and 2nd Degree Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. He is being held on a $50,000 bond.

On 7/13/24 around 6:30am, police responded to a report of a drive-by shooting in the area of N. Wall St. and W. Francis Ave. Several neighbors reported 3-4 shots were fired at a residence and a suspect fled in a distinctive car. Neighbors also relayed the car is frequently seen at a home on the 5900 block of N. Wall St. Upon arrival officers discovered 2 vehicles at the residence with bullet holes. The residents of the home were contacted and confirmed there were no injuries. Officers conducted an interview but the residents were not cooperative. It appears this was a targeted drive-by and the victims likely know the suspect. Anyone with information on this shooting is encouraged to call Crime Check at 509-456-2233 reference case #2024-20139653.

Our next is this Saturday! We'll be at McDonald's at 2211 W. Wellesley, July 20th, from 9am-11am. Please join us for a free cup of brewed coffee, courtesy of McDonald's and some great conversation!

Getting to your destination 5 minutes later is better than not arriving at all. Speeding Catches Up With You

SPD would like to congratulate Kevin Hall on being selected as the new Chief of the Spokane Police Department! Chief Hall comes from Tucson, Arizona where he is currently the Assistant Chief and has held a number of leadership roles in his more than 30 years with the department. Mayor Lisa Brown said Chief Hall was the clear choice for the job after she reviewed feedback from the community and SPD. Interim Chief Justin Lundgren says Kevin Hall is an accomplished law enforcement leader who brings decades of experience and extensive professional education. He will be joining an excellent team of men and women at the SPD. Chief Hall’s start date will be sometime prior to September 1st. Welcome Chief! We look forward to getting to know you, Spokane is a great city – you will love it here!

It was a hot 2nd day of Spokane PD's Police Activities League (PAL). The program builds relationships between officers and young people through academic and athletic activities that build life skills and encourage respect, honesty, integrity, leadership, and sportsmanship. SPD brought out one of its drones for the kids to see. Today will be at Grant Park!

SPD arrests man who carjacked a vehicle then went on a crime spree including an attempted kidnapping of a child

On 7/5/24 just after 6pm, Spokane Police responded to a reported carjacking at a fast food restaurant downtown in the 700 block of W. 3rd Ave. A woman reported she was in the drive-thru of the restaurant when a man threw a rock into her car, striking her, and demanded she get out of the vehicle. Officers learned the woman complied out of fear for her safety. During the investigation officers were able to determine a suspect description, which was put out to other officers. The carjacked vehicle was spotted by police a short time later on the South Hill near Southeast Blvd and 17th Ave. Patrol officers began to follow the suspect who was driving recklessly at a high rate of speed, several times almost colliding with other vehicles including several marked police cars - one which narrowly missed being hit head-on by the suspect. Officers terminated the pursuit due to the risk the suspect driver posed to others.

A very short time later a citizen called in a suspicious vehicle located in the 3000 block of E. 28th Ave. The car was confirmed to be the stolen vehicle but it was unoccupied. A K-9 track was initiated in the area. While the K9 search was on, an attempted kidnapping call was reported in the 3100 block of Mt. Vernon. Callers reported a male, who matched the description of the carjacking suspect, had just tried to kidnap a child who was playing outside with a friend at the location. Fortunately, an alert citizen noticed the suspect grab the young girl from behind and try to drag her away, and heard the girl yelling. The man intervened, rescued the victim, and chased the suspect off. The girl relayed she thought she would never see her family again.

As police were talking with the girl and the citizen who helped her, a call came in that a woman had just scared a burglar out of her home in the 2600 block of E. 33rd. The suspect, who matched the carjacking and kidnapping suspect description, fled from the home with a pillowcase of items taken in the burglary. A K9 track was again set up, patrol officers surrounded the area, drones were utilized and instrumental in quickly locating the suspect in the area of 37th and Mt. Vernon. Daniel J. Pajas (38) was taken into custody. But not before striking an officer in the head with a rake with which he had armed himself. Also not before lighting fire to a shed next to a home in the 3500 block of S. Smith. The fire caught the side of the occupied home on fire before being put out.

This crime spree lasted an hour and a half, injured a number of people including officers, terrified several people, put many people in danger, damaged property, and took substantial police resources to contain. This incident could have had a much more tragic outcome if it weren’t for the exceptional work of police and the assistance of community members and witnesses. SPD thanks those who assisted.

Additionally, earlier in the day – around noon, a burglary was reported in North Spokane in the 2000 block of North Crescent Ave. Jewelry and cash were stolen. The suspect fit the description of the suspect in the evening crime spree and Pajas was charged for that burglary as well as numerous other crimes related to the crime spree. Pajas was booked into the Spokane County Jail and faces 13 charges, including a number of felonies. Charges include; 1st Degree Robbery/Carjacking, 1st Degree Kidnapping, 1st Degree Arson, 2nd Degree Assault, Residential Burglary, 2nd Degree Burglary, Attempt to Elude Police Vehicle, 2nd Degree Theft, and Malicious Mischief. Pajas is being held on a half million dollar bond.

SPD reminds drivers to slow down for pedestrians! They may be difficult to see and it takes you longer to stop for them if you’re speeding. Speeding Catches Up With You.

A young adult female was killed early this morning in a homicide in North Central Spokane. Anyone with information about the shooting is urged to call Crime Check at 509-456-2233.

Just after 1:30am this morning, July 7, 2024, Spokane Police were called to the 1300 block of west Courtland on the report of a possible drive-by shooting. Once on scene, officers found a teenaged female who was suffering from what appeared to be a gunshot wound. Unfortunately, she succumbed to her wounds at the scene. The Major Crimes Unit responded and is still in the initial stages of the investigation.

Spokane Police are asking anyone with any information or video footage from the area who have not already been contacted by investigators to please call Crime Check at 509-456-2233.

SPD responds to shoplifting call, suspect pulls loaded gun on officers

On 6/28/24 about 9:15pm, SPD patrol officers responded to a suspicious vehicle call in the 5800 block of N. Division St. Employees at a retail store at the location reported the vehicle and it’s possible relation to a group of people involved in shoplifting in the store. Officers walked through the store and located a male holding clothing items who appeared to be looking for an opportunity to run out of the store. Officers were able to identify the male and discovered he had a warrant out for his arrest. They approached him and he immediately reached for his front waist area and pulled out a pistol. Officers tried to control the suspect’s arms and get the pistol from him due to the extreme danger to themselves and others in the store. The officers and the suspect wrestled and fought as the suspect maintained his grip on the pistol, despite officers explaining they would have to use their weapons on him if he didn’t drop his. The fight continued to behind the store registers where officers were finally able to get control of the suspect and take the pistol away from him. The gun was loaded and the suspect also had approximately 50 fentanyl pills and a baggie of powdered drugs in his possession.

This was an extremely volatile situation which started over shoplifting and highlights the dangers our police officers face every day even in responding to seemingly lower level crimes. Thankfully, the officers were not fired upon and were able to gain control over a combative, non-compliant armed suspect.

Jesse S. Johnson (38) was booked into the Spokane County Jail on two counts of 1st Degree Assault, 1st Degree Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Resisting Arrest. He is being held on more than a million dollar bond ($1,015,000). Johnson has a lengthy list of prior felony convictions including; Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Attempt to Elude, Vehicular Assault, Theft of a Motor Vehicle, 2nd Degree Assault, 1st Degree Theft, and Taking a Motor Vehicle without Permission.

SPD responds to fatal collision involving a scooter and vehicle

Just before 6:30 this morning, 7/2/24, Spokane Police responded to a collision call at 4th and Lincoln on Spokane’s South Hill. A woman was riding a scooter northbound, down the hill on Lincoln, when a driver going eastbound on 4th stopped at the stop sign. When he pulled into the intersection the scooter and the vehicle collided. Citizens in the area began CPR on the victim until EMS took over, but ultimately the woman died from her injuries. It does not appear the driver of the vehicle was impaired. SPD’s Major Crimes Investigators arrived on scene and are investigating the collision.

The name of the deceased will be released at a later date by the Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office.

SPD arrests man for drive-by shooting and assault after firing at a home in a domestic violence incident

On Saturday June 29, 2024, just before midnight, Spokane Police responded to a call of a shooting in the 3000 block of E. Jackson St. Upon arrival, officers learned that an argument had taken place between family members of a boyfriend and girlfriend after the boyfriend assaulted her. The victim’s father arrived at the house where his daughter was and confronted the boyfriend, who was in his vehicle outside, telling him to leave. The boyfriend got out of the vehicle and argued with the father, holding a gun and pointing it at the father. The boyfriends mother and a brother arrived and all were arguing and exchanging words when the boyfriend fired at the father before fleeing in his vehicle. The father was not hit but two young children were in the house - which was in the direction the shots were fired. Officers recovered shell casings and live rounds at the scene.

Police developed probable cause to arrest Harlen N. Cariss (23) for Drive-by Shooting, 1st Degree Assault, 4th Degree Assault, Interfering with Reporting of Domestic Violence, and Reckless Endangerment. Officers continued their investigation on Sunday June 30, 2024 and at 2:30pm were able to locate Cariss as he drove from a residence. SWAT members contacted the vehicle and took Cariss into custody. He was booked into the Spokane County Jail and appeared in court this afternoon where a judge set his bail at $250,000.

It’s Hoopfest weekend and SPD wants to remind you that traffic restrictions are in place through Sunday at 10pm. SPD officers will be working the event and will be stationed throughout the various courts. SPD wants everyone to enjoy the tournament, but be warned, DUI patrols will be ongoing through the weekend and Washington State Patrol will have a mobile DUI station downtown. Be safe and be smart!

Thanks to the community members who stopped by to meet your police officers at the McDonalds on N. Division today, and to McDonald's for hosting today’s Coffee with a Cop. We always enjoy meeting our neighbors!

Suspect in custody after downtown assault

On June 28th, 2024 at 6:26am SPD responded to the area of 200 South Division Street in Downtown Spokane on a report of a stabbing. 911 was advised of an altercation between two males. At some point during the fight, one of the involved partes was cut across the side of his face. The reported suspect then fled the area. Officers quickly responded and began searching for the suspect. The suspect was found walking east of the location and was not cooperative on initial contact with officers. The male was finally detained without incident. The investigation revealed the suspect used a piece of broken glass to slash the victim before leaving the area.

Elisha Z. Geiger (24) was taken into custody and booked into the Spokane County Jail for 2nd Degree Assault and Obstruction. The victim was transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. Geiger has extensive local history with prior arrests for assault.

Spokane Hoopfest is this weekend! Downtown street closures for the largest 3-on-3 basketball tournament in the world will start today, Friday, June 28 at 6 p.m.
🏀1st Ave. from Post St. to Howard St.
🏀Sprague Ave. from Howard St. to Monroe St.
🏀Riverside Ave. from Bernard St. to Monroe St.
🏀Main Ave. from Lincoln St. to Browne St.
🏀Spokane Falls Blvd. from Washington St. to Lincoln St.
🏀Summit Blvd. from Monroe St. to Lincoln St.
🏀Broadway Ave. from Monroe St. to Post St.
🏀Mallon Avenue from Monroe St. to Howard St.
🏀Post St. from Main Ave. to 1st Ave.
🏀Post St. from Spokane Falls Blvd. to Summit Blvd.
🏀Howard St. from Main Ave. to Spokane Falls Blvd.
🏀Stevens Ave. from Washington St. Bridge to Riverside Ave.
🏀Washington St. from Main Ave. to Sprague Ave.
🏀Washington St. North River Dr. to the Washington St. Bridge
All streets will reopen on Sunday, June 30, at 10 p.m.

DV suspect arrested on additional charges after damaging patrol car, assaulting officer while being transported to jail

On June 27th, 2024 at 1:38pm, SPD responded to 3900 block of South Cuba Avenue on a report of a domestic disturbance. 911 was advised of an altercation amongst family members. Officers arrived at the location and interviewed the involved parties. At the conclusion of the investigation, probable cause was established to arrest Andrew L. Focher Jr. (18) for 4th Degree Assault and 2nd Degree Malicious Mischief. Both charges are Domestic Violence related. Focher was taken into custody and officers began the process of transporting him to the Spokane County Jail. During the transport, Focher became agitated and started kicking the back door of the patrol vehicle. He kicked the door with such force that the top part of the door frame was bent outward, causing extensive damage.

To prevent further damage to the patrol car, officers stopped the vehicle in preparation to place Focher in a WRAP. As Focher was being placed into the additional restraint system, he assaulted an officer on scene by kicking him. Officers were finally able to safely restrain Focher and complete the transport to the Spokane County Jail. Focher was booked on the following charges:

• 4th Degree Assault- Domestic Violence
• 2nd Degree Malicious Mischief- Domestic Violence
• 1st Degree Malicious Mischief
• 3rd Degree Assault
• Resisting Arrest
• Obstruction

Our next is Today! We'll be at McDonald's at 4436 N. Division, June 28th, from 11am-1pm. Please join us for a free cup of brewed coffee, courtesy of McDonald's and some great conversation!

***Update***

On June 27th, 2024 after an extensive investigation by detectives with SPD’s Major Crimes Unit, probable cause was developed to arrest a suspect in the shooting on June 25th in the area of 200 E Wedgewood. Multiple investigative units including the VCTF, SIU, SPEAR and Spokane County Sheriff’s deputies were utilized to eventually get the suspect into custody safely in Spokane Valley near Pines and I90.

Wyatt F. Comer (23) was taken into custody by SPD’s MCU detectives and was booked into the Spokane County Jail for 2nd Degree Murder. Comer has an extensive violent criminal history that includes 6 felony convictions.

***Original Release***

On June 25th, 2024 just before midnight, SPD responded to the area of 200 E Wedgewood Avenue on a report of a shooting. A deceased male was discovered in a walkway area. Detectives with SPD’s Major Crimes Unit (MCU) responded to the location to assist with the investigation. Preliminary information indicated a group of people became involved in an altercation just prior to the shooting. It is believed the involved parties knew each other. The identity of the deceased will be released by the Spokane County Medical Examiner at a later time.

Additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Man arrested after attempting to steal ambulance in Downtown Spokane

On June 25th, 2024 at 2:49pm, SPD responded to the area of Washington and Sprague in Downtown Spokane after 911 was advised a male had attempted to steal an ambulance. When officers arrived, an ambulance was observed with a broken-out drivers side window. The ambulance was at the location attending to a medical emergency call when an upset male walked up, broke out the window and entered the vehicle.

Witnesses advised the suspect started revving the engine before community members helped remove him from the vehicle. The involved male was contacted sitting a short distance away and detained. Officers learned the suspect was in a nearby bank and was escorted out after getting upset. Upon leaving the bank he walked up to the ambulance and broke the window out before getting in the driver’s seat. The act of damaging the ambulance interfered with the medical crew’s ability to effectively respond to the call they were on. Based on the information provided to officers, probable cause was established for Attempted Vehicle Theft and 1st Degree Malicious Mischief.

Joshua T.L. Musselman (29) was taken into custody on the above listed charges and booked into the Spokane County Jail.