Pair Beaten In Gang Initiation

Mon., March 31, 1997

Two men were beaten at a North Side home by gang members in a violent initiation ritual, police said Sunday.

The attack occurred Friday night. The victims, ages 19 and 22, said they wanted to leave when they learned a female friend wasn’t at her home in the 1000 block of West Maxwell.

But, they said, six men at the residence refused to let them go and threatened to shoot them if they didn’t join the gang.

The two men agreed to join the gang because they were afraid, then were punched and kicked repeatedly, police said.

Afterward, the victims escaped through a rear window and called police.

Officers arrested Mel E. Williams, 22, of Spokane, on suspicion of felony harassment and third-degree assault.

, DataTimes

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Pair Beaten In Gang Initiation

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

'We are heading to Sacramento': California Gov. race too close to call

Funding cuts, 'DEI Yeti': Parks visitors blast Trump’s history order

Detective charged with pulling gun on fellow officer microwaving fish