SWAT Team Successfully Arrests Suspect and Frees Victim
After detectives were granted a warrant, Spokane County Sheriff’s SWAT Team members successfully forced entry into a residence located in the 200 block of North Blake and freed a female victim who was being held against her will. The male suspect, identified as 30-year-old Nicholas S. Smith, was taken into custody and was not injured.
The incident began this morning, at approximately 06:35 a.m., when a male called 911 and reported Smith physically kicked him out of the residence on Blake Road in Spokane Valley. The male also stated Smith would not allow Smith’s girlfriend leave.
Spokane Valley Sheriff’s Deputies arrived but could not locate the witness and did not get a response from anyone at the residence. While checking the area and talking to neighbors, deputies found evidence of a possible struggle in the yard but could not confirm anyone was inside.
Domestic Violence Unit detectives were contacted. Having previous history with Smith and knowledge there is a valid No Contact Order in place, they began working to secure a search warrant for the residence while deputies secured the scene.
A short time later, Smith’s parents arrived at the residence. Deputies confirmed with them, Smith was inside the residence with the female. Smith told them, deputies were outside but he refused to exit and would not allow the female to exit. Perimeter deputies also observed the widow curtains move.
Not knowing what weapons were inside and the victim was being held against her will, the SWAT and Hostage Negotiation Teams were called to the scene. Additional attempts to contact Smith were unsuccessful.
After the search warrant was granted, SWAT Team members moved into position to enter the residence. During that time, the front door was opened by the victim. Smith quickly grabbed her and forcefully pulled her back inside and slammed the door. The SWAT Team forced entry into the residence, safely freed the victim and took Smith into custody. Smith was not injured during the incident and apologized as he was placed in handcuffs.
The victim was checked by medical staff as a precaution.
Smith was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for felony charges of Assault 2nd Degree, Unlawful Imprisonment and Violation of a No Contact Order. This investigation continues and additional changes are possible.
Deputy Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Public Information Officer