Man accosted by knife-wielding stranger on west end of downtown Spokane

A man was attacked and nearly robbed last week by an apparent stranger while walking in downtown Spokane.

Jeffrey David Bush, 30, allegedly rushed a man walking near Jenny’s Diner on West Second Avenue, court records say. Bush was armed with a knife and asked for money, records say. The man attempted to defend himself by grabbing Bush by the wrist and was cut on his left hand near the thumb, documents say.

Several citizens stepped in to help the man subdue Bush, who was held on the ground until Spokane Police officers arrived. Bush told officers he wasn’t trying to hurt anyone, and that he was “just trying to get some money,” court records say.

According to court documents, the alleged attack happened the day before Bush’s birthday and Thanksgiving.

Police are recommending charges of first-degree attempted robbery and assault.