Spokane Regional Safe Street Task Force (SRSSTF) arrests a suspect in several violent incidents, including an attempted 1st Degree Murder
On February 23, 2023, members of the SRSSTF arrested Malakai J. Swan-McCarthy (18) for several felony charges, including attempted murder in the 1st degree, in connection to two shooting incidents earlier this month.
The Spokane Regional Safe Streets Task Force, assigned to investigate violent crime, gang activity, and drug trafficking cases, developed probable cause to arrest Swan-McCarthy in connection with a shooting in Spokane Valley on February 9, 2023, and a shooting in the City of Spokane on February 11, 2023.
On February 9th, Spokane Valley Police responded to a shooting call in the area of 11000 E Montgomery. The caller reported finding some spent casings in the parking lot and checked his surveillance system. He located video of an earlier fight where a male fired a handgun into the air. During the subsequent investigation and review of video surveillance of the incident, the deputy identified the shooter as 18-year-old Malakai J. Swan-McCarthy. After learning Swan was a convicted felon and prohibited from legally possessing a firearm, the deputy completed a charging request for Drive-by Shooting, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, and Aiming/Discharging a Firearm.
On February 11th, Spokane Police responded to a shooting call in the 1300 block of E. Kiernan, where they located a young adult male who’d been shot multiple times, suffering potentially life-threatening injuries. There were several people who witnessed the shooting and were not initially cooperative with responding officers. This shooting was also captured on video. In this shooting incident, the suspect was again identified as 18-year-old Malakai J. Swan-McCarthy. Responding officers provided lifesaving medical assistance until they were relieved by Spokane City Fire. The victim was transported to the hospital and has since been released. During the investigation, officers learned Swan-McCarthy also pointed the firearm at the head of a female victim and threatened to kill her.
On February 23, 2023, SRSSTF members observed Swan-McCarthy, and 5 other people, in a vehicle in a North Spokane parking lot. Task Force members witnessed the subjects exit the vehicle and confront 2 people walking in the parking lot. The situation became heated, and subjects reached into their waste bands as if accessing weapons. Law Enforcement activated a siren in order to diffuse the situation, and all of the subjects got back in the vehicle and fled the area.
Approximately 30 minutes later, Task Force members observed the vehicle at a motel on Sunset Hwy in Southwest Spokane. SPD SWAT was requested to assist and safely detained the occupants of the motel room. Most of the people detained were juveniles known to SRSSTF to be associated with gangs and criminal activity. Swan-McCarthy, believed to be a gang member, was also in the room and was placed under arrest for Attempted Murder 1st Degree, Assault 2 Degree (DV), Harassment-Threats to Kill (DV), and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 1st Degree in connection with the shooting on E. Kiernan. He was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail on those charges. The other occupants were identified, and 2 loaded pistols were recovered from the room.
Swan-McCarthy is expected to be charged with Drive-by Shooting, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 1st Degree, and Aiming/Discharging a Firearm in connection with the shooting on E Montgomery in Spokane Valley.
This afternoon, Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner J. Stine set Swan-McCarthy’s bond at $1,000,000 and a probation hold is expected to be added.
This remains an active investigation, additional charges and/or arrests are possible.
The Spokane Regional Safe Streets Task Force is comprised of the FBI, Spokane Police Department, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane Valley Police Department, United States Border Patrol, and the Washington State Department of Corrections. The task force is dedicated to keeping our streets safe by fighting violent crime, including gang activity and drug trafficking.