Burglary suspect arrested after hourslong police standoff in south Spokane

A man was arrested under suspicion of residential burglary Sunday afternoon after an hourslong police standoff in south Spokane.

Just before 10 a.m., family of 42-year-old Douglas Lampi reported the male had broken into an unoccupied home in the 7000 block of Moran View Street in the Eagle Ridge housing community off U.S. Highway 195, said Officer Joshua Laiva, Spokane Police Department spokesman.

Hostage negotiators were first to arrive, who attempted to speak with Lampi but were ignored, Laiva said. A SWAT team soon followed, and for several hours, tried talking to the man through a megaphone but their requests remained ignored.

Laiva said due to the layout of the three-story home and family’s testimony that Lampi had access to weapons, they were careful about their approach.

At about noon, officers detonated two or three flash bang grenades in an attempt to get Lampi’s attention.

Nearby, neighbors gathered a few blocks away and watched the spectacle. Many said Lampi had previously broken into the home, which belonged to his parents-in-law, several months before. Laiva confirmed the home was owned by family members, who were working with police during the incident.

Just after 1 p.m., police detonated explosives that allowed them to enter the residence, at which point they said Lampi surrendered.

“He came out to us,” Laiva said. “After we were able to make entry, he was able to come outside.”

Lampi was arrested without incident. He faces a charge of residential burglary.

In September, Lampi was arrested and charged with residential burglary. In December, he was charged with second-degree arson.

He pleaded guilty to both charges on Thursday.