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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Man shot by Spokane Valley officers enters not guilty plea

A Spokane Valley man shot by police pleaded not guilty Wednesday to two counts of second-degree assault.

Michael E. Young, 55, is accused of pointing a handgun at Spokane Valley police officers Scott Bonney and Darell Stidham outside his home at 11709 E. Fairview Ave. on Dec. 27.

Bonney, Stidham and Officer Walter Loucks shot Young several times. Officer Griffin Criswell tried to shoot, but his gun malfunctioned, according to court documents.

The officers were responding to reports that Young was suicidal, according to court documents.

One witness said Young never pointed his gun at police. But each officer told investigators with the Spokane Police Department that Young raised the gun toward Bonney and Stidham, according to court documents.

Young’s lawyer, James Kirkham, said his client “maintains his innocence and plans to fight these charges.”