Spokane, WA. — Spokane police have arrested five juvenile suspects in connection with a disturbing assault and kidnapping captured on video earlier in January.
On January 24, officers with the Spokane Police Department were alerted to a phone video depicting an assault involving an initially unidentified male victim. At the time officers first reviewed the footage, the victim’s identity was unknown.
Investigators say a focused and coordinated effort led to the identification of the victim, as well as the suspects involved. The video shows the victim restrained in a chair while being assaulted and threatened with firearms. Based on video evidence, detectives believe the assault occurred on or before January 22.
Further investigation led police to an apartment in north Spokane, where authorities believe the crime took place. Detectives determined the incident appeared to be pre-planned, with the victim allegedly lured to the location prior to the assault.
Five suspects, all minors between the ages of 15 and 17, were taken into custody. Three of the cases have been remanded to Spokane County Superior Court, while the remaining two will continue in Juvenile Superior Court.
Charges under consideration include first-degree kidnapping with a firearm enhancement, second-degree assault, and robbery.
Spokane police said the investigation involved multiple units within the department and emphasized the rapid identification of both the victim and suspects as a result of coordinated investigative efforts.
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