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

Spokane Police arrest two suspects in overnight robbery

From staff reports
Spokane Police have arrested two men they say were involved in an armed robbery at a North Spokane drugstore Tuesday night. Eric Reisen, 22, and Thomas Sweeney, 24, are both in Spokane County Jail this morning, hours after police say they attempted to rob a Rite Aid location near North Division Street and East Rowan Avenue. Officers responded to the scene around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, and the two men led police on a short chase before fleeing their getaway vehicle. Reisen and Sweeney showed a gun and made off with an undisclosed amount of prescription drugs, according to a news release from Spokane police. The car they were driving struck a pole, causing the men to flee on foot, police said. Reisen, who was booked into jail around 1:30 a.m. Wednesday, attempted to break into a home and take the occupant hostage, according to the release. He was arrested in the backyard of a home in the 1500 block of West Glass, about three miles from the scene of the alleged robbery. A duffel bag full of prescription pills was located nearby. He faces charges of armed robbery, armed burglary, attempting to elude police and possession of a controlled substance. Sweeney was booked into jail about three hours later after turning himself in with his parents present, according to police. He also faces charges of armed robbery and possession of a controlled substance. Additional charges may be filed against the men, investigators said. The two men are the only suspects police are seeking at this time. Both men are scheduled to make their first appearance in court this afternoon.