Authorities snag escapee in North Spokane

Authorities today arrested a federal inmate who walked away from a scheduled medical appointment on Spokane’s South Hill several days ago. The U.S. Marshals-led Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force arrested Sandra Irene Duffy, 47, in North Spokane about 2 p.m. Through “investigative sources and anonymous information,” the task force determined Duffy’s whereabouts, according to a U.S. Marshals Service news release. Duffy was booked into the Spokane County Jail. On Jan. 10, Duffy walked away from an appointment after she was furloughed on a court order that allowed her to go to a doctor’s appointment with her attorney. U.S. Magistrate Judge Cynthia Imbrogno issued a warrant for Duffy’s arrest on Jan. 12. Duffy was originally charged in July with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. She also escaped authorities in 2008 when she leaped off a bridge into the Wenatchee River. She was rearrested two days later. “The U.S. Marshals Service would like to extend our appreciation for the assistance of the public, the media, and to all law enforcement agencies that participated in the search and apprehension of the suspect,” said U.S. Marshal Craig Thayer. The U.S Marshal also thanked DEA, the Wenatchee Police Department, the Moses Lake Police Department and Grant County Sheriff’s Office for their roles. The Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force is comprised of the U.S. Marshals Service, the Department of Corrections, U.S. Border Patrol, Social Security Office of the Inspector General, and state and local law enforcement agencies.