Crime & Safety
Police Thwart Gun Assault At Spokane Homeless Shelter
Police spotted a man pointing a high-powered rifle at a homeless shelter. They thought he was about to open fire.
SPOKANE, WA - Spokane police may have prevented a shooting at a homeless shelter Thursday afternoon. Around 3 p.m., officers saw a man slowly drive by the Union Gospel Mission along East Trent Avenue and point a "high-powered rifle" at the building. Several officers saw what the man was doing and moved to stop him.
The suspect, Nicholas McRae, 35, fled from police and hit two vehicles as he sped away, injuring the people inside. Police kept up the pursuit and stopped him near Spokane Falls Boulevard and Riverpoint Boulevard near the Washington State University campus.
Then, McRae took off on foot, police said, but was caught nearby. He was booked into jail on suspicion of attempting to elude and felony hit and run. Inside McRae's car, police found a rifle with a drum magazine and a revolver.
Find out what's happening in Spokanefor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Image via Shutterstock
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.