Standoff involving suspects in robbery ends peacefully

A standoff involving two men suspected of robbing a Hillyard spa and assaulting the owner ended peacefully Saturday morning.

But no arrests have been made because the victims were unable to identify the men, said Spokane police spokesman Cpl. Jon Strickland.

The suspects reportedly entered the Starlite Spa on North Market Street about 10:20 a.m. and “demanded girls,” said Strickland. The two men appeared intoxicated, authorities said. Witnesses told police one of the men had a gun.

After assaulting the owner of the spa, the two men fled on foot and entered a home at 3010 E. Fairview, about a block away. Witnesses reported hearing a woman scream as the men entered the house.

About 11:40 a.m., the home’s owner went in and forced the alleged suspects outside, ending the standoff. Six people emerged from the home, Strickland said. Two other individuals had also left the house willingly during the standoff.

Police continue to investigate, Strickland said.