Behind the Motel Door: Guns, Drugs and Suspects
Spokane Valley Investigative Unit (SVIU) and Property Crime Task Force (PCTF) Detectives successfully served a search warrant on May 18, 2017 and arrested 28-year-old Scott P. Henderson and 23-year-old Austin J. Schwahn for multiple (26 total) felony and misdemeanor charges.
On May 18, 2017, SVIU and PCTF detectives executed a search warrant for a room at the Motel 6 located at 1919 N. Hutchinson Rd. in Spokane Valley. When Detective Jeff Thurman and Sergeant Pat Bloomer, with weapons drawn breached the door of the room, they observed Henderson and Schwahn near the bed. Henderson was armed with a black handgun on his hip and his other hand was not in view. Schwahn was at the foot of the bed holding a black sunglass case and a white cell phone which he immediately dropped. As they approached Henderson and gave him commands to show his hands, they observed Henderson’s hand was by another handgun which was lying on the bed next to him. Now, after being told he would be shot if he didn’t comply, Henderson moved both of his hands away from the weapons and into the air. Both Henderson and Schwahn were safely taken into custody.
After being advised of his rights, Henderson stated he’s made 50 or 60 thousand in the last year selling heroin and methamphetamine because he has been unable to maintain a steady job. Most of the illegal money he made, he lost out at the casino. He admitted to trading drugs for the weapons (Glock .45 & Glock .40) next to him. He stated he did not steal the firearms but admitted they could be stolen.
During a search of the room, assisting detectives located two .22 caliber pistols, one of which had the serial number ground off. Henderson admitted to trading drugs for these pistols as well. He said he mainly sells heroin and not as much methamphetamine due to the kind of people who buy it. The $568.00 in cash Henderson had on his person was seized as evidence.
Schwahn admitted to being at the location to trade prescription drugs for heroin but continually changed his story. The $70 located in Schwahn’s wallet was seized.
A thorough search of the room was productive. Detectives located brass knuckles, additional drugs and drug paraphernalia to include scales, cell phones, shaved keys commonly used to steal cars, packaging material for the sales of drugs and ammunition, among other items.
Henderson was booked for 7 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver, Heroin, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Buprenorphine Hydrochloride-Naloxone Hydrochloride, Diazepam, Alprazolam, and Xanax.
Additional charges for Possession of a Firearm with an Altered/Obliterated Serial Number, Possession of a Dangerous Weapon and Possession of Vehicle Theft Tools were added.
Schwahn was booked for 6 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver-Heroin, Methamphetamine, Cocaine, Xanax, Liquid Methadone and Alprazolam. Additional charges of 2 counts of Residential Burglary and 8 counts of Theft of a Firearm stemming from the investigation were also added.
This investigation has been active for months and detectives continue to work leads and follow evidence as it continues.
Henderson’s vehicle was seized pending a search warrant. Future arrests and charges are expected.
Deputy Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer