Man assaults person with pitchfork in Browne’s Addition in apparent random attack

A man assaulted a random citizen with a pitchfork near Sunset Grocery Sunday night, Spokane police said in a news release.

Police received a call from Sunset Grocery in Browne’s Addition at about 9 p.m reporting the assault.

In what police say appears to be an “unprovoked attack” a citizen was struck in the chest by a pitchfork wielded by an unknown man, who appeared to be high or intoxicated. The victim received minor injuries.

Police spotted the 27-year-old James McCormick about a block away, armed with a pitchfork.

McCormick threatened officers before leading them on a chase for several blocks, according to police.

Police were able to contain McCormick in the 300 block of S. Ash St. but he disobeyed commands and threatened officers, police said.

Officers used a Taser to take McCormick into custody.

He was booked for second-degree felony assault and obstructing a law enforcement officer.