Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Suspect in Beverly Hills assault back behind bars in Spokane

Mark Merrifield, 37, arrested on suspicions of motorcycle theft

The Spokane man who bonded out of jail hours after California detectives arrived in Washington to collect DNA on suspicions he sexually assaulted a Beverly Hills woman is back behind bars. Spokane police arrested Mark W. Merrifield, 37, late Thursday near the NorthTown Mall on suspicions he stole a motorcycle. When they questioned Merrifieild, they discovered a warrant had been issued for his arrest out of California, likely tied to the sexual assault investigation. Merrifield posted $65,000 bond at the jail last week after giving Beverly Hills detectives his DNA. A woman there claims she was attacked and groped by a man in March matching Merrifield’s description. Merrifield had been in custody since July, when he was picked up on multiple criminal charges including theft, drug possession and taking a motor vehicle without permission. Spokane County Jail Director John McGrath said last week the California detectives had not filed the paperwork needed to hold Merrifield before leaving and that his release followed jail procedure. When authorities searched Merrifield on Thursday they found brass knuckles in his pockets, according to court records. Merrifield is scheduled to make a court appearance in Spokane later today.