Shotgun confrontation leads to convicted felon’s arrest

A six-time convicted felon was arrested near Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center last week after Spokane police said he aimed a shotgun at two other people. John Burnham, 45, was booked into Spokane County Jail on Friday at around 10:30 p.m., facing charges of unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of methamphetamine, a controlled substance. Burnham’s record includes felony convictions on charges of burglary, vehicle theft and previous controlled substance possession, according to Spokane police. It is unlawful for a felon to possess a firearm. Officers initially responded to a call of a man with a weapon in the 800 block of S. Cowley Street, just east of the hospital. Burnham made a first appearance in Spokane County Superior Court on Monday afternoon, where his bond was set at $5,000. The firearm possession charge carries a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and/or a fine of $20,000. Burnham could serve up to five years and be forced to pay $10,000 for the methamphetamine charge.