Spokane Valley, WA – A SWAT operation led to the arrest of a seven-time convicted felon accused of firing a gun during a neighborhood dispute in Spokane Valley late last month.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a shooting report on September 29 around 5:50 p.m. near E. Harrington Avenue and N. Vista Road. Witnesses said the suspect, identified as 42-year-old Justin C. Hancock, arrived in a white SUV, fired a round, and fled the scene.
Deputies learned that no one was injured. The incident allegedly began as an argument over a vehicle that escalated when Hancock pulled out a pistol, fired a shot into the ground, and the bullet ricocheted into a nearby garage just feet from the victim. Investigators recovered a .40-caliber shell casing but were unable to locate Hancock immediately.
Detectives later identified Hancock as a seven-time convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms. Surveillance led investigators to his location on N. Hutchinson Road. Given Hancock’s criminal history and the nature of the alleged shooting, the SWAT Team was called to assist.
On October 14, around 1:05 p.m., SWAT members arrested Hancock without incident. After waiving his rights, Hancock reportedly admitted to firing the weapon but claimed the shot was accidental.
He was booked into the Spokane County Jail on first-degree assault and second-degree unlawful firearm possession charges.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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