Police say felon pointed pistol at officers

A man was arrested early Tuesday after aiming a semi-automatic pistol at officers who were following him on foot, Spokane Valley Police reported.

The chase started after Ronald D. Baker, 31, was pulled over near Broadway Avenue and McDonald Road about 2:40 a.m. in connection with an attempted theft that occurred nearby, said police spokesman Dave Reagan.

Baker threw the pistol as officers drew their weapons, and no shots were fired, Reagan said. Baker faces several charges stemming from the incident, including three counts of first-degree assault. Baker declined an interview request Tuesday.

Police were called to 12924 East Mission Ave. after a resident there heard barking dogs, looked outside his home and saw a man walking around his sister’s Jeep, according to court records and Reagan.

The resident went outside to confront the man, but the man fled. Lug nuts had been removed from each of the Jeep’s wheels, court records say.

Officer Jason Petrini, who was on his way to the scene, pulled Baker over because he matched the description of the man seen near the Jeep, Reagan said. The resident was taken to see Baker to confirm if he was the man who was in the resident’s yard.

“The victim said, ‘Yeah, that’s him,’ and (Baker) took off running,” Reagan said.

It was during the ensuing chase that Baker allegedly pointed a gun at police, then tossed it away.

Petrini caught up to Baker and dragged him to the ground, but Baker resisted arrest and fought, Reagan said. A stun gun was applied to Baker several times until he was subdued, Reagan said.

Baker was checked by paramedics, who determined he didn’t need medical attention, Reagan said.

Police found the loaded gun that had been pointed at them, Reagan said.

Baker is a felon and is not allowed to possess firearms. He remained at the Spokane County Jail on Tuesday on a $75,000 bond.