Domestic Violence Incident Ends Peacefully after SWAT Team Safely Takes Suspect into Custody
Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a domestic violence assault and learned the suspect remained inside his residence, armed with a shotgun. After the assault, the suspect attempted to pour fuel on the victim’s vehicle as she and her two children fled from the house. Due to the severity of the crime and with the armed suspect failing to respond to Deputies’ repeated attempts to make contact, the SWAT Team, Negotiators and Air 1 were utilized. Several hours after the incident began, the suspect was successfully and peacefully taken into custody.
On April 20, 2019, just before 7:00 p.m., Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the report of a domestic violence incident. The adult female victim reported her husband, later identified as 36-year-old Issac W. Barnhart, had assaulted her. He was armed with a shotgun during the incident and tried to pour fuel on her vehicle as she drove away from the residence with her two children. She was contacted by Deputies at a safe location away from the home.
After speaking with the victims, Deputies responded to the home located in the 3100 block of N. Old Trails Rd. and secured the location. Multiple PA announcements and phone calls went unanswered.
With Issac armed, coupled with his reported violent and erratic behavior along with his apparent unwillingness to surrender or even communicate with Deputies, the SWAT Team and members of the Hostage Negotiation Team (HNT) were called to assist. Air 1 also responded to provide overhead security and search the surrounding brush and treed areas around the residence.
Spokane County SCOPE SIRT Team members also responded to close Old Trials Rd. in the area for the safety of motorists.
While a search warrant for the residence was requested, SWAT Team members devised a plan to attempt to end this tense situation peacefully. With a search warrant granted and continued attempts to contact Issac ignored, SWAT Team members began clearing outbuildings as they approached the residence. As they did, Issac was observed standing inside the home looking out a back window. He was given commands to exit the house, unarmed and with his hands visible. At approximately 11:15 p.m., Issac followed commands and was peacefully taken into custody without injury.
Issac was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Assault 2nd (DV) and Arson 2nd (DV).
Thankfully, the victims were not seriously injured during this domestic violence assault and with the efforts, and teamwork of SWAT, Negotiators, Air 1 and Deputies, the suspect was safely taken into custody ending this potentially volatile and dangerous situation.
Corporal Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer