Citizen helps police capture drive-by shooting suspect

A citizen helped police capture a suspected drive-by shooter Tuesday afternoon by taking a picture of the vehicle the suspect was driving.

Police were first called to a drive-by shooting near Sinto Avenue and Napa Street shortly after 2:30 p.m. No one was injured and no damage was found. A witness gave a description of the suspect and vehicle, but neither could be located.

A call about a second shooting near Third Avenue and Freya Street was received about 30 minutes later. A witness took a clear picture of the truck involved and it’s license plate, which appeared to match the vehicle described in the first call, according to the Spokane Police Department.

Officers caught up to the truck near 11th Avenue and Ray Street. The driver initially tried to speed away but pulled over after a few blocks, police said.

Benjamin D. Rowbotham, 22, was arrested on suspicion of two counts of drive-by shooting. A search warrant will be obtained to search his truck for a weapon.