SPOKANE, Wash. — One man was arrested after he brandished a gun in Riverfront Park, and assaulted one victim after stealing their backpack Sunday.
Spokane police initially responded to reports of a man, Jason Whitaker, 44, threatening another man with a gun near the clocktower in Riverfront Park. Officers swarmed Whitaker, who dropped his firearm as officers were approaching, according to Spokane Police officer Ronald Van Tassel.
Several witnesses said Whitaker was also seen confronting a random stranger near Main street and Howard, who he accused of being an undercover cop and threatened to kill, Van Tassel said.
Whitaker then walked in the direction of the park, and stole another random bystander's backpack. The bystander pursued Whitaker, who then punched the victim, nearly knocking him unconscious, Van Tassel said. Whitaker continued to assault the victim after he had fallen to the ground.
Whitaker fled the scene and was later seen near the clock tower with a handgun. Witnesses recall Whitaker waving the gun around, threatening bystanders before Spokane police arrived.
Officers said Whitaker was showing signs of being under the influence of drugs. Whitaker did have Methamphetamine in his possession. Whitaker's firearm was also reported to be stolen. Whitaker was booked into jail for first degree robbery, second degree assault, and first degree possession of a stolen firearm.
