Spokane Valley, Washington – A man was arrested Saturday after allegedly pointing a realistic-looking gun at passing vehicles near a busy Spokane Valley intersection.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 12:00 p.m. Saturday, March 7, to reports of a person waving a firearm near a bus stop at East Sprague Avenue and Park Road.
Callers told dispatchers a man was pointing the gun at vehicles stopped at a traffic light. Deputies arriving at the scene reportedly observed the suspect walking into traffic lanes while raising what appeared to be a black handgun.
Authorities said deputies believed the suspect posed an immediate threat to drivers and nearby pedestrians. Deputies drew their firearms and issued commands for the man to drop the weapon.
The suspect, later identified by investigators as 33-year-old Anthony A. Smith, allegedly attempted to conceal the pistol in his coat but ultimately followed deputies’ commands and was taken into custody without further incident.
After securing the weapon, deputies determined the firearm was a realistic-looking BB gun replica.
According to the sheriff’s office, Smith told deputies he knew the item was a BB gun and said he was upset because someone had been rude to him.
Smith was booked into the Spokane County Jail on new charges of Brandishing or Intimidating With a Weapon and Disorderly Conduct, according to authorities.
Officials also said Smith is being held on unrelated misdemeanor warrants, including Assault 4th Degree with Sexual Motivation and Lewd Conduct.
The incident temporarily raised safety concerns along the busy Sprague Avenue corridor, a heavily traveled route used by commuters and students in Spokane Valley.
Authorities continue reminding residents to report suspicious activity immediately, especially when firearms or replica weapons appear to be involved.
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