A Spokane man is accused of threatening and attempting to assault Spokane County sheriff's deputies and a hospital security guard on Wednesday.

Robert Allen Howley, 47, was taken into protective custody about 7 p.m. at his home in the 4200 block of North Locust after he made "suicidal statements" but demanded to be taken to jail instead of a hospital according to a news release.

Howley threatened to kill Deputy Darrell Rohde and his family, then tried to headbutt him and threatened to break a hospital security guard's leg, police said.

Howley later threatened to shoot and kill jail Deputy Marilyn VanTassell as he was booked on harassment and intimation of a public servant charges, polie said. He also faces a charge of third-degree assault on law enforcement.

Howley was to appear in Superior Court today.

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