Officer claims another cop assaulted suspect

A Spokane police officer is on paid administrative leave while under investigation for an alleged misdemeanor assault that occurred when the officer was on duty Friday night.

The incident allegedly took place in the 3200 block of West Hoffman Avenue during the arrest of a man who led police on a lengthy pursuit through the Shadle Park area, said Officer Jennifer DeRuwe, of the Spokane Police Department.

The complaint came from another officer at the scene, she said. The accused officer’s name and other details are being withheld while Major Crimes detectives investigate.

The man allegedly assaulted was 22-year-old John P. Luna, of Spokane, who caught the attention of law enforcement for rear-ending a car near Garland Avenue and Pittsburg Street, Officer Matt Rose said.

During the chase the 1990 Honda Civic hit two other vehicles and police discovered the car was stolen. The car crashed near Shadle Park High School, but drove on and finally crashed on Driscoll Boulevard, which is pocked with deep construction holes.

Luna fled on foot through yards and alleys while a helicopter from the Sheriff’s Office joined the search with a spotlight illuminating backyards. He was taken into custody just before 9 p.m., about 20 minutes after the pursuit began.

Residents said Luna was yelling violently when he was taken toward the street and handcuffed. The alleged assault occurred after Luna was handcuffed, DeRuwe said. Luna is no stranger to police, she said, and carries an extensive criminal history in the area. She didn’t know whether Luna and the responding officers knew each other.

Luna was booked into the Spokane County Jail on charges of eluding law enforcement, possession of a stolen vehicle, second-degree assault and several counts of hit-and-run, Rose said.

DeRuwe said the criminal investigation is expected to be completed within a few days. It’s routine to place officers on paid leave while they are being investigated, she said.