Hostage Negotiators, SWAT, K9 And Drone Assets Used To Safely Take A Wanted Subject Into Custody For Felony DV Order In City Of Spokane

Press release from the City of Spokane:

June 29, 2021

Today, June 29, 2021, at approximately 2 PM, Spokane Police were notified there was a subject wanted for felony domestic violence order violation in a house near N Howard St and W Dalke Ave. Eli Smith (42) was wanted for violating a domestic violence protection order protecting his girlfriend. He also had an outstanding Department of Corrections warrant for riot with a deadly weapon. When officers arrived, they found the protected female at the scene. This created another violation of the order. She was safely removed from the scene.

Smith has previously made threatening statements to law enforcement and today made statements of wanting to harm himself. Additional resources were summoned to the scene due to these threats. Hostage negotiators, SWAT, K9 and SPD drone unit assets arrived on scene to ensure Smith could safely be taken into custody.

After six hours, Smith was located hiding in a crawlspace in the house. He was safely taken into custody and transported to the Spokane Regional Jail Facility where he was booked on the charges.

Smith has an extensive criminal history consisting of 14 felony convictions and 13 gross misdemeanors. These include, but are not limited to, criminal mischief with a deadly weapon, taking motor vehicle without permission x2, no contact order violation x4, assault 2nd degree, unlawful imprisonment, assault 3rd degree, possess stolen property 1st degree, assault 4th degree x4 and hit and run.

Domestic violence offenses are of serious concern in Washington. When possible, SPD will use all available and appropriate resources to protect victims and to safely take offenders into custody.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, SPD implores you to call Crime Check, 509-456-2233, and say something. Your action may save a life.

This press release was produced by the City of Spokane. The views expressed here are the author’s own.