Major Crimes Detectives Serve Warrant with SWAT Assisting
Spokane Valley Major Crimes Domestic Violence Detectives obtained a search warrant for an apartment in Spokane Valley. SWAT Team members assisted Detectives, and Patrol Deputies execute the warrant this afternoon. The suspect was contacted inside the residence and safely taken into custody.
On March 7, 2019, at approximately 10:30 a.m., Spokane Valley Deputies responded to a two-vehicle collision at the intersection of Pines and Broadway. One of the involved drivers reported she was a victim of domestic violence and was fleeing her residence when she became involved in the collision.
The victim said her boyfriend, 20-year-old Samuel R. Washburn, assaulted, strangled, threatened to kill her while holding a knife and held her in an apartment against her will. Deputies responded to the residence located in the 12700 block of E. 4th Avenue and attempted to contact Washburn but didn’t receive a response at the apartment door even though the victim stated he should still be there. While Deputies stayed at the apartment, additional Deputies attempted to locate Washburn at other locations but were unsuccessful.
The victim was transported to the hospital for her injuries.
Major Crimes Domestic Violence Detectives arrived to continue the investigation and obtained a search warrant for the apartment. Due to the information Washburn was likely to be inside the residence but failed to respond to repeated attempts to contact him and knowing he reportedly was armed with a knife during this violent assault as well as potentially had access to firearms, the SWAT Team was utilized to execute the warrant safely.
At approximately 2:30 p.m., after establishing a plan with the goal of safely executing the warrant and take Washburn into custody if he was located inside, the SWAT Team arrived at the location. After securing the area, making sure other residents were safe, team members knocked on the apartment door and announced their presence but received no response. The door was opened with a door key, and Washburn was contacted inside the apartment. Initially, Washburn was not compliant, but after realizing the situation, he complied and was safely taken into custody without further incident.
Washburn was transported to the Public Safety Building where Detectives will attempt to conduct an interviewed to obtain a statement from Washburn.
This is an active and ongoing investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
Washburn potentially faces felony Domestic Violence charges of Assault, Unlawful Imprisonment and Felony Harassment-Threats to Kill.