Man arrested in Centennial Trail assaults

Spokane police officers arrested Jonathan Scott Beggs, 45, in connection with a series of assaults on women on and around the Centennial Trail before 9 a.m. Sunday.

Police responded to three separate reports of a man making bizarre statements and attacking women with a weapon. The women said they were terrified of the man, police said.

Officers responded to the YMCA on North Monroe Street around 3 p.m. for reports of a man being disruptive and making bizarre statements. While interviewing Beggs to determine if he needed immediate psychiatric help, officers were able to develop probable cause to arrest him for the earlier assaults, said Spokane police Cpl. Jordan Ferguson.

Beggs was booked into jail on suspicion of second-degree assault. A mental health evaluation was requested for him.

Officers believe there may be more witnesses to the morning assaults. Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.