SWAT team called for barricaded assault suspect on Spokane’s South Hill

Spokane Police brought in the SWAT team Friday morning to deal with an assault suspect who appeared to have barricaded himself inside a home in the 1200 block of West 17th Avenue.

Police were called to the home around 9 a.m., said Officer Joshua Laiva. The assault victims were outside when police arrived and the suspect was reported to be inside.

After several hours police searched the the home aided by the SWAT team robot and a police dog and found the man, who had attempted to hide.

“He was located in the rafters,” Laiva said.

Police arrested 34-year-old Steven G. Serpa on suspicion of second-degree assault and unlawful imprisonment. Laiva said he appeared to be under the influence of drugs.

Serpa has a previous assault conviction.