City of Spokane, WA

08/29/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/29/2024 12:14

Suspect in custody after violent assault in W. Spokane one to hospital

Suspect in custody after violent assault in West Spokane sends one to the hospital

Officer Daniel Strassenberg Public Information Office

Thursday, August 29, 2024 at 11:08 a.m.

On August 15th, 2024 at 11:30pm Spokane Police responded to the area of 800 W Garland on a report of an assault. Officers located a male victim on the ground, surrounded by several concerned community members. The victim was not conscious and struggling to breathe. The victim had sustained a severe head injury and was immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment.

As the investigation unfolded, officers learned the victim had been escorted out of a local business just prior to the assault. The suspect was not on scene when patrol officers arrived. Detectives with SPD's Major Crimes Unit (MCU) were able to identify the suspect and the Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) began searching for him.

VCTF located the suspect yesterday and took him into custody. Johnnie W. Witherspoon (48) was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail for 1st Degree Assault. Witherspoon has extensive criminal history with prior felony convictions for 1st Degree Burglary and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

Contact Police

For in progress crimes and emergencies call 911

To report a non-emergent crime contact:

To provide crime activity or suspect information that doesn't require immediate action contact:

For general police email contact:
[email protected]

For nuisance reports, including code violations (i.e. illegal camping, substantial litter in yards or alleys, graffiti, land use violations), parking complaints, and road condition issues contact:

  • My Spokane: 311, or for outside city limits, 509.755.CITY (2489)
    Call Monday-Friday, 7 AM to 6 PM, or report online.

Media Relations Contact

Julie Humphreys
509.622.5868
[email protected]