Suspect in custody after violent attack in W. Spokane, one hospitalized

Suspect in custody after violent attack in West Spokane – One patient taken to hospital

Employee Daniel Strassenberg, Public Relations

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

On 15 August^th2024, 11:30 PM Spokane Police responded to a report of an assault in the area of ​​800 W Garland. Officers found a male victim on the ground surrounded by several concerned community members. The victim was not conscious and had difficulty breathing. The victim had sustained a serious head injury and was immediately transported to a local hospital for treatment.

During the course of the investigation, officers learned that the victim had been escorted out of a local business shortly before the robbery. The suspect was not on the scene when patrol officers arrived. Detectives from 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 for 1^st Assault. Witherspoon has an extensive criminal history with previous felony convictions for 1^st Aggravated burglary and possession of a controlled substance.

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