Police detain man after SWAT standoff at Department of Social Services in West Central Spokane

Spokane police officers peacefully ended a 7-hour standoff with a man at the Department of Health and Social Services in the West Central neighborhood Monday.

The man was allegedly trespassing on the property before the office’s opening hours. The building’s security called police around 7 a.m., at which point the subject threatened and brandished a knife at officers. Police had tried to take him into custody on an outstanding warrant, and the man held the knife to himself and said he intended for police to shoot him, said Police spokeswoman Julie Humphreys.

Humphreys said SWAT, K-9 handlers, drone operators and hostage negotiators were involved. Fire engines and paramedics were also standing by. Dozens of officers and a large number of vehicles were present, including two armored vans.

“We’re gonna wait it out,” Humphreys said five hours into the standoff, citing Washington’s de-escalation policies as part of the reason for the large police presence. She clarified that the suspect had not entered the building and was considered “in a state of crisis,” adding that mental health professionals were on hand.

The man was identified as Charlston D. Harper, 41. Harper is a felon and had a warrant out for failing to register as a sex offender, Humphreys said.

Police used a stun gun on Harper around 2:30 p.m. As he was taken into custody, he said: “I did nothing wrong. I sleep over here every day!” Besides the warrant, he was arrested on suspicion of resisting arrest, second-degree assault and obstructing an officer.

No one was held hostage.

Maple and Ash streets were blocked off between Sinto and Boone, which resulted in congestion in the area.