City Hall Is Temporarily Closed; City Council Meeting Canceled

City Hall is Temporarily Closed; City Council Meeting Canceled for this Evening

Officer Daniel Strassenberg, PIO

Monday, November 11, 2024 at 5:12 p.m.

Updated 11/13/2024

Suspect arrested in City Hall threat incident

On November 11th, 2024 SPD was made aware of a threat involving City Hall. Due to the threats conveyed, Mayor Brown, Chief Hall, and City staff decided, for safety reasons, to prohibit entry into City Hall. City Council was also briefed on the situation and subsequently agreed to cancel their meeting. SPD was aware of the identity of the suspect involved in this incident and began searching for him. The primary focus of this investigation was Chesed B. Johnson, 46. His threats included referencing creating a scenario that would result in deadly force. At the time of the incident, Johnson had local arrest warrants for Intimidating a Public Servant and Stalking. There were also pending charges of 2nd Degree Escape for failing to follow court mandated sanctions.

Johnson was located in North Idaho today and taken into custody on the Washington warrants. Additional charges will be requested based on last night's incident. This arrest took place quickly and safely, due to the amazing assistance from our neighboring law enforcement agencies.

Original Release

Access to Spokane City Hall has been temporarily halted due to a security concern. Out of an abundance of caution, the City Council meeting this evening has also been canceled. The Spokane Police Department is working closely with the Mayor, her staff, and City Council to ensure a safe environment for all.

More information will be released as warranted. The safety concerns appear to be solely focused on City Hall and there is no information at this time suggesting an outward threat to the community.

• Older

Know the Number

Emergency Services
Situations requiring IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE from Police, Fire or ambulance: call 911

Mental Health Crisis
Situations requiring IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE by phone from trained mental health counselors: call 988

Crime Check
Non-emergency police services: call 509.456.2233 to report crimes no longer in process or submit crime tips.
Crime Check Online Reporting also available.

City Services
Non-emergency reporting of potholes, graffiti, or unlawful camping, utility billing, and general information on city services: call 311 or report online

Social Services
Social services and community resources like housing, food, and employment help: call 211

For general police email contact:
[email protected]

• View Crime Map

Media Relations Contact

Julie Humphreys
509.622.5868
[email protected]