SPOKANE, Wash. — Five suspects were arrested and made their first appearances in court after allegedly restraining, beating and threatening to kill a man.
According to court documents, a warrant was issued for the four people in connection with the abduction, assault and robbery of a man on Jan. 22.
Court records said that the suspects allegedly lured the victim to an apartment, where they assaulted him, tied him up and robbed him. The suspects, who allegedly were armed, also threatened the victim’s life during the incident. Police said the encounter was recorded and circulated on social media, prompting multiple witness statements, including from the victim and individuals who viewed the videos.
Spokane County Court issued warrants for the suspects. Charges for most of the suspects include first-degree kidnapping, first-degree robbery and two counts of second-degree assault involving a knife and a BB gun.
The victim told police that he was lured to the location, restrained, beaten, threatened with death, and stripped of his belongings. He was eventually released but warned not to contact the police. The victim later identified the location and some of his assailants, providing law enforcement with a list of stolen items.
Court docs said a witness and her daughter received and viewed videos and messages of the assault through Snapchat. KC also relayed a voice message from one of the suspects detailing the plan to lure and assault the victim, including the alleged use of an AR-15.
Court docs said that the victim reported that five people were involved in his kidnapping, though police said he could only partially identify three of the suspects.
The Spokane Police Department later released additional information, saying officers also arrested the other two suspects, who later made their appearances in Juvenile Superior Court.
