Suspect Assaults Victim with Boxcutter on an STA Bus
Spokane Valley Deputies located and arrested a male suspect after he used a boxcutter type tool to cut the throat of the victim, causing minor injuries. Deputies responded after citizens reported the digital sign on the bus read “Call Police”.
On April 12, 2019, at approximately 9:10 a.m., Spokane Valley Deputies began to respond citizens reporting an STA’s digital sign said, “Call Police”. The bus pulled over near the intersection of Appleway and Elizabeth in Spokane Valley.
Deputy Tim Jones arrived and contacted the bus driver and occupants of the bus. He was informed a male, later identified as 50-year-old Paul D. Mattingly, cut the throat of another passenger. Mattingly walked off the bus when it stopped, prior to Deputy Jones’ arrival.
Deputy Jones contacted the victim to check on his injuries. He also relayed Mattingly’s description, last known direction of travel and that he was armed with some type of knife to additional Deputies responding to the call. The adult male victim received medical attention at the scene for what appeared to be a minor injury.
A couple of minutes later, Deputy Mike Wall arrived in the area and began looking for Mattingly. When he turned south on Coleman from Appleway, he immediately observed a male attempting to wave him down near 2nd Avenue. As Deputy Wall pulled up to contact the male, he observed Mattingly lying on the north shoulder of 2nd Avenue in the dirt.
The male told Deputy Wall drove by Mattingly and noticed him on the ground. When he contacted Mattingly, Mattingly told him to call the police.
Mattingly was detained without incident. He was advised of his right and declined to answer questions. During a search for weapons, a dark-colored folding knife/boxcutter, wrapped in a bandanna, was located in his pocket.
The victim and witnesses stated the attack was unprovoked. A witness to the assault identified Mattingly as the suspect.
Mattingly was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Assault 1st Degree, a felony.
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Corporal Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer