SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Police Department (SPD) arrested a man after he allegedly shoplifted and brandished a gun toward officers.
According to SPD, the incident unfolded around 9:15 a.m. when SPD officers responded to reports of a suspicious vehicle near a retail store on North Division Street.
Police said store employees had alerted police about a group involved in shoplifting. Upon entering the store, officers identified Jesse Johnson, 38, who was holding clothing items and appeared poised to flee. Upon identification, officers discovered Johnson had an outstanding warrant for his arrest.
Police said they approached Johnson, who swiftly reached for his waist area and produced a pistol. A struggle ensued as officers attempted to disarm him. Eventually, officers successfully secured the loaded firearm from Johnson.
SPD said in addition to the firearm, Johnson was found in possession of approximately 50 fentanyl pills and a quantity of powdered drugs.
Johnson was subsequently booked into Spokane County Jail on charges including two counts of first-degree assault, first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance and resisting arrest. His bond was set at $1,015,000.
SPD noted Johnson’s extensive criminal history, which includes prior felony convictions such as possession of a stolen motor vehicle, attempt to elude, vehicular assault, theft of a motor vehicle, second-degree assault, first-degree theft and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
