Police officer’s ankle broken in three places during fight with suspect

Lt. Rex Olson, a 44-year veteran of the Spokane Police Department, had his ankle broken in three places during a scuffle with a suspect Tuesday.

The suspect has been identified as Cory J. Yeager, 31. He was booked into the Spokane County Jail on suspicion of second-degree assault and is being held on $50,000 bond.

Police arrived near Augusta Avenue and Elm Street Tuesday afternoon after multiple calls were received about Yeager screaming at people, making threats and throwing garbage cans. Olson and other officers caught up with Yeager at a gas station at 1809 N. Ash St., where he began struggling and kicking at officers. Olson was kicked in the ankle, according to witnesses.

In court documents Olson reported that Yeager appeared to be hallucinating and under the influence of drugs. Other officers reported that Yeager had “super-human strength” and an attempt to tase him was ineffective, according to court documents.

One witness told police that Yeager was “fighting tooth and nail and seemed to have the strength of an army,” according to court documents. Yeager, who is described as “extremely strong and fit” in court documents told police that he was high on methamphetamine, court documents state.

Yeager has convictions for displaying a weapon, harassment, domestic violence assault and violating a no contact order. After his most recent conviction for second-degree malicious mischief in March he was ordered to complete a 24 months residential drug treatment program.