UPDATE: January 24, 2026 at 4:20 p.m.
According to an update released by the Spokane Police Department (SPD) on Saturday, authorities first received a 911 call on Friday night around 6:30 p.m. from a female who was crying and asking for help. The call was placed from a residence at 3080 North Hemlock Street.
SPD reported that a male could be heard yelling in the background, making threats towards other residents and law enforcement, while claiming to have a gun.
Police later contacted two females who left the residence, and probable cause was developed for felony harassment domestic violence.
Citing the concern for safety following the males comments about being armed and threatening law enforcement, the SPD SWAT team, a K9 unit, the Hostage Negotiators Team (HNT) and the Air Support Unit responded to the scene.
Over multiple hours, HNT contacted the 43-year-old suspect by phone and repeatedly made efforts to have him peacefully surrender. The suspect refused to cooperate, threatening to shoot himself or law enforcement if they entered the residence.
According to SPD, the suspect walked out to the front porch multiple times, but ultimately refused to surrender and went back inside the home. Around 9:07 p.m., the suspect reportedly placed a handgun to his head on the front porch while yelling at police, before he once again went back inside the house.
Around 10:30 p.m., the suspect threw a lit firework out of the front door at SWAT officers, which exploded in the front yard. By this time, authorities applied for and were granted a search warrant.
Chemical irritants were deployed inside the residence, and at 11:23 p.m., the suspect was taken into custody without further incident. He was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail for felony harassment, arson and assault.
SPD officials applauded the “incredible restraint illustrated by the officers on scene” throughout the incident.
UPDATE: January 23, 2026 at 11:37 p.m.
Authorities have reportedly taken the suspect into custody.
SPOKANE, Wash. – A significant law enforcement presence, including SWAT personnel, was observed Friday night on West Fairview Avenue, between North Hemlock Street and North Belt Street.
A police officer at the scene confirmed that law enforcement responded to an initial report of domestic violence. The suspect is currently armed and refusing to exit a residence.
Authorities attempted to communicate with the suspect, but he has not cooperated with their instructions, and has instead thrown fireworks out of the residence which detonated near the front porch.
Nonstop Local personnel at the scene reported hearing gunfire, however, it is unclear whether the shots were fired by SWAT or the suspect.
This is an active situation. Updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Article originally published January 23, 2026 at 10:32 p.m.
