Welfare Check Leads To Domestic Violence Arrest; Guns and Drugs Recovered At North Spokane Apartment
Washingtoner/10316052

~ Spokane Police Officers responded to a welfare check request at an apartment in the 3200 block of North Smith on January 29, 2026 at approximately 1:45 p.m. The request was made by the family of a woman who had not been heard from in several days and had not shown up for work.

Upon arrival, officers interviewed a neighbor who revealed that the woman they were there to check on had been heard jumping from the second-story window a couple of days prior. As they knocked on the door, they were met by a man named Brettly Sanderson. Sanderson claimed that his girlfriend was inside and that they were both sick. When officers explained why they were there, Sanderson informed them that his girlfriend's phone had been accidentally broken and she was afraid to tell her family.

After finally seeing the woman in the background, officers convinced her to come outside so she could call her family. However, during this time, officers noticed injuries on her face and ear. The woman disclosed that Sanderson had assaulted her with a clothes hanger and also bitten her. She also mentioned that there were guns in the apartment.

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As a result, officers detained Sanderson inside the apartment while they continued their investigation. While in the family room area with Sanderson, officers observed items that appeared to be drug-related. They also witnessed Sanderson lunging towards a nearby table and quickly swallowing something while he was handcuffed.

After being examined at a local hospital for possible drug ingestion, 29-year-old Brettly Sanderson was booked into Spokane County Jail on multiple charges including 2nd degree assault - domestic violence, obstructing law enforcement, possession of a controlled substance, 4th degree assault - domestic violence, unlawful imprisonment - domestic violence, 1st degree unlawful possession of a firearm, and tampering with physical evidence.

A search warrant executed at the residence resulted in the recovery of firearms and drug-related items, further supporting the charges against Sanderson.

The Spokane Police Department urges anyone who is a victim of domestic violence to seek help by contacting Crime Check at 509.456.2233 or the YWCA Domestic Violence Helpline at 509.326.CALL (2255).

Along with this news, images of the recovered gun were released by the police department as evidence in the case. The investigation is ongoing and more details will be released as they become available.

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