Good Samaritan Injured; Two Suspects Arrested

Thu., Oct. 7, 1999

From Staff Reports

A couple in downtown Spokane on Tuesday night saw two men harassing another couple who had just left the Olive Garden restaurant about 7 p.m. The witnesses called police on a cell phone, then told the couple that police were on their way.

The two men then turned their attention to the good Samaritan and demanded his cell phone. When the man refused, one of the assailants hit him on the head, knocking him into the pavement. The blow was so strong it knocked the man’s head into his girlfriend and she suffered facial cuts.

The two assailants then ran.

Officers immediately found two suspects and questioned them. When the victim and other witnesses identified the two as the assailants, police arrested the pair.

Police arrested Israel L. Jones, 20, and Matthew Sean McCarthy, both of Spokane. Jones and McCarthy were booked into jail for attempted second-degree robbery. McCarthy also was booked for possession of cocaine.

The victim and his girlfriend were treated for their injuries.

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