Police seek burglary, assault suspect

Spokane police are searching for a man who allegedly broke into an apartment, beat a father and pointed a gun at his two children, threatening to kill all three.

Justin T. Carter, of Spokane, could face nine felony charges after the incident on Saturday, Officer Jennifer DeRuwe said.

He allegedly forced his way into an apartment at 1831 E. Mission Ave. and pistol-whipped the father while his children watched, according to a police affidavit.

“I will kill you and your kids,” Carter yelled, the affidavit states.

The children were unhurt but were crying when police arrived because the “bad man” scared them, the affidavit states. The father, who went to Holy Family Hospital, told police the intruder was Carter and that he is known for dealing drugs and guns, according to the affidavit.

Carter, 27, has an extensive criminal record, having been convicted of eight felonies, including drug and armed assault charges.

“He’s been a pretty busy boy for not being around this earth for very long,” police Sgt. Joe Walker said.

The father told police he has worked with Carter and owes money to the suspect’s roommate – who in turn owes Carter – thus the victim assumed Carter wanted to skip the middleman and assaulted him, the affidavit states.

Police served a search warrant Monday on Carter’s home, at 504 E. Dave Court, and seized a semiautomatic handgun, marijuana plants and growing equipment, according to court records. Police are looking for a green Jeep Cherokee Carter is believed to drive.

The hunt for Carter was one of the department’s priorities Tuesday night, Walker said.

“Anytime we get, you know, an occupied burglary or home-invasion type thing, we put a lot of resources on getting the guy,” Walker said. “We don’t get these very often, and when we do, that’s someone who needs to be off the street.”

He said police have not asked Secret Witness to offer a reward because Carter’s trail has not grown cold. If he is not caught soon, however, authorities could ask for a reward.

Carter is a white male, 5-foot-9, weighs 140 pounds, has brown eyes and black hair, Walker said.

He could face charges of first-degree burglary, attempted first-degree robbery, first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, first-degree assault, two counts of second-degree assault of a child and three counts of felony harassment for threats to kill, DeRuwe said.