Law enforcement detained a man accused of not only causing panic at a Spokane Valley Walmart, but also trying to set clothes and a car on fire.
SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — Lawmakers in Spokane Valley arrested a man Saturday morning after trying to set a car and clothing on fire.
A call was received reporting a suspect, according to a press release from the Spokane Valley Police Department (SVPD). Police said he was armed with a handgun, knife, baseball bat and other store merchandise and exhibited erratic and threatening behavior in the busy store.
It was later discovered that the suspect was armed with a handheld torch rather than a gun.
According to the SVPD, there were other reports of a man behaving erratically, jumping into a car and trying to set it on fire.
People near the incident managed to remove burning clothing from under the vehicle.
Other reports said the man was armed with a handgun.
Agents approached the suspect inside the store, who found him armed with a large kitchen knife, a baseball bat, a batting helmet and a pole.
According to the SVPD, the man refused to drop the weapon in his hand and was eventually given several tastings.
The man was disarmed and safely detained.
The suspect stabbed himself in the leg at one point and was treated shortly after his arrest, according to the SVPD.
Once medically cleared, he was booked into the Spokane County Jail for robbery 1st degree, reckless danger 2nd degree, reckless burning 1st degree, and obstruction.
