City of Spokane, WA

08/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 08/08/2024 22:48

Multiple high priority incidents overnight stretch resources thin

Multiple high priority incidents overnight stretch resources thin

Officer Daniel Strassenberg Public Information Office

Thursday, August 8, 2024 at 3:35 p.m.

SPD responded to several dangerous incidents last night that utilized multiple agencies and resources. With the calls overlapping, SPD's resources were strained as officers worked diligently to peacefully resolve all calls.

Last night, 8/7/24, officers responded to the area of 1600 W Main at 9:30pm on a report of a domestic violence incident involving a weapon. Upon making contact with the victim, officers observed signs of physical injury that included a laceration from a knife or similar edged weapon. Officers were also advised that the suspect male held a knife to the victim's throat at one point. SPD had recent contact with the involved male, and information at that time was the male was going to be violent if contacted by officers again. Officers developed probable cause for 2nd Degree Assault- DV and Felony Harassment (weapon involved) for the male.

The suspect was believed to be barricade inside the victim's residence. Based on the information at hand and the fact the male was not responding to communication attempts, SPD SWAT and Hostage Negotiators (HNT) responded to the home. At 12:46am on 8/8/24, SPD SWAT took the suspect into custody. Brandon T. Bennett (37) was booked into the Spokane County Jail for 2nd Degree Assault-DV and Felony Harassment-DV. Bennett has prior felony convictions for Burglary and is currently being held on $200,000 bond.

As that was happening, 911 received several calls just before 11pm about a possible vehicle collision on the Maple Street Bridge. Callers advised a male was on the bridge, throwing items at cars and intentionally putting himself in front of moving vehicles. As officers responded to the call, the male climbed on top of the pedestrian walkway on the bridge and was running back and forth. The male also made threats about having a firearm in his backpack. Due to his actions and the threat of a possible gun being involved, the bridge was closed down. Officers tried talking with the male in an effort to get him off the walkway, but he was not cooperative.

The suspect made comments that he would brandish a weapon in an effort to have officers shoot him. As the safety concerns grew with this incident, resources from the Spokane County Sheriff's Office assisted as did Spokane Fire. The male was safely contained on the bridge as communication attempts continued. The male assaulted one of the officers by throwing an object at him. At just after 1am, the suspect walked to the north end of the bridge and climbed down. He was taken into custody without incident. Timothy W. Whipple (39) was booked into the Spokane County Jail for 3rd Degree Assault and 3rd Degree Malicious Mischief.

The two overlapping calls utilized SWAT teams from both the City and County, HNT, Spokane Fire to include the water rescue teams and the SPD Air Support Unit (SRASU).

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]