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

Sirens & Gavels

Car salesman attacked w/ pepper spray

A would-be thief pepper sprayed a car dealership employee who tried to stop him from stealing a pickup last week, police say.

Brandon K. Hutchinson, 26, pleaded not guilty Tuesday to six felony charges related to his arrest last Thursday at Avista Stadium. He's accused of assaulting an employee at Affordable Auto, 4229 E. Sprague Ave., with the spray after the employee arrived to work and saw him inside a 1999 Chevrolet Kingswood pickup, according to court documents.

Spokane police tracked Hutchinson to the stadium and found meth, shaved keys and pliers on him after his arrest. Officers also found screwdrivers in the pickup, which also had a damaged ignition.

Hutchinson was jailed on a $250,000 warrant for first-degree robbery, second-degree assault, attempted car theft, possession of a controlled substance, second-degree malicious mischief and making or possessing a motor vehicle theft tool.

Hutchinson already was wanted for missing a pre-trial conference regarding a car theft charge from last April.



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