Suspect in Spokane Valley credit union robbery is arrested; was apparently shot

A robbery suspect who apparently was shot by a bystander inside a credit union in Spokane Valley last week was arrested Tuesday at a nearby motel.

Jeremy D. John, 44, was arrested at the Rodeway Inn at 6309 E. Broadway Ave., about 5 miles from the STCU branch at 13211 E. 32nd Ave. He was taken to a local hospital where he’s being treated for injuries to his right arm and hip, according to a news release from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

The Sheriff’s Office said charges will be filed against John after he is released from the hospital. His condition was not immediately available Wednesday.

Authorities suspect he robbed the credit union on June 30, prompting a nearly weeklong manhunt. The robber fled on foot and wasn’t found despite the use of police dogs and a helicopter.

Security images from the credit union’s surveillance camera showed a man wielding a gun and hopping over a counter to steal money. Witnesses told investigators a customer inside the branch pulled out a handgun and fired at the robber.

Detectives reported finding blood at the scene, and one security image showed what appeared to be a large patch of blood on the robber’s sweatshirt.

Authorities haven’t released the name of the customer who shot the robber. But they said he had a license to carry a concealed handgun and has retained a lawyer.

Washington law says a person must believe his or her life is in danger to use deadly force.

Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich stressed that gun owners should be held accountable for their decisions.

“It’s been proven time and time again that armed citizens can stop crime and save lives,” Knezovich said. “But the thing I always tell people is, when you take those actions, you have to live with that decision. That decision follows you for the rest of your life.”

STCU spokesman Dan Hansen said the credit union would not discuss details of the robbery or the customer’s actions.

“As our first concern is safety, we ask members not to bring firearms or other weapons into our branches,” he said. “However, members carrying them in a peaceable, nonthreatening manner will not be refused service.”

The Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone with information about John or the robbery to call Crime Check at (509) 456-2233.

John’s criminal history includes convictions for drug possession and second-degree burglary.