Spokane: Drive by shooting suspect taken into custody
Washingtoner/10267667

~ In the early hours of August 26th, 2024, the Spokane Police Department (SPD) responded to a report of a shooting in the area of 100 West Sinto. According to Officer Daniel Strassenberg, Public Information Officer for SPD, officers were alerted to the incident just after midnight.

Upon arriving at the scene, officers were informed that an unknown male had pointed a handgun at several individuals in a parking lot before firing a shot into the front grill of an occupied vehicle. The suspect then fled the scene with several other individuals. A shell casing was found near the front of the vehicle that had been struck by the gunfire.

Further investigation revealed that the shooting had occurred following an argument inside a local business. The suspect, who was not involved in the initial altercation, arrived at the location shortly after. Thanks to cell phone video footage provided by witnesses, officers were able to identify and locate the suspects involved in the incident.

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Detectives from SPD's Major Crimes Unit (MCU), Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF), and Special Investigations Unit (SIU) worked together to identify an address associated with the suspects in question. After obtaining a search warrant, MCU and VCTF surrounded the location and detained multiple individuals. The primary suspect in the shooting was taken into custody without any resistance.

During their investigation at the address on West Augusta Street, detectives discovered several firearms, ammunition, and shell casings. As a result, Joshua D. Cruz (35) was arrested and booked into Spokane County Jail on charges of Drive by Shooting, 1st Degree Assault, and 2nd Degree Malicious Mischief.

The swift action taken by SPD's officers and detectives has resulted in one arrest and potentially prevented further harm from being inflicted upon innocent bystanders. The department is urging anyone with additional information about this incident to come forward and assist with their ongoing investigation.

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