Harlan Douglass pleads not guilty to courthouse assault

Spokane developer Harlan Douglass pleaded not guilty Monday morning to an assault charge stemming from an altercation with an opposing attorney in a civil case. Douglass is accused of slapping Warren Robinson, a lawyer for First American Title Insurance Co., and shoving him against a wall after a heated dispute during a court recess on April 15. Douglass had been in court testifying against the insurance company during a trial. Douglass alleged First American failed to disclose a utilities easement at the current site of Self Storage Spokane, 214 S. Eastern Road, when the land – then vacant – was purchased by C 1031 Properties in 2007. C 1031 Properties has been holding the property for Douglass, who claimed the easement limited his plans to build the storage complex. Court documents say Robinson told police he put his hand on Douglass’ shoulder and said he was sorry he couldn’t settle out of court. That’s when Douglass allegedly slapped him across the left ear, then grabbed his wrist and pushed him up against a wall. Douglass spent one night in jail after the alleged assault before being released on his own recognizance. The suit settled out of court on April 16 while Douglass was in jail. First American agreed to pay C 1301 Properties $225,000, according to a court transcript. C 1301 Properties sought $60,000 plus attorneys fees in the suit. Douglass’ trial on the assault charge is scheduled for August 17.