SPOKANE, Wash. — Officers with the Spokane Police Department (SPD) responded to a reported assault on Thursday, October 17, 2024, near 400 East Spokane Falls Boulevard. A woman called 911 around 12:15 p.m. to report that an unknown man attacked her while she was walking to her car.
According to the victim, she noticed a man in a fluorescent jacket, whom she assumed was a worker, as she approached her vehicle. The man made eye contact and smiled at her before allegedly attacking her from behind. He grabbed her and attempted to strangle her, forcing her to the ground, SPD reports.
The woman fought back, scratching the man’s face and biting his hand, causing him to flee the scene. The suspect discarded personal items and some of his clothing as he ran.
SPD officers collected evidence and interviewed witnesses before tracking the suspect to the 500 block of East Everett Avenue. Less than 90 minutes after the assault, police arrested Michael J. Trout, 27, as he exited an apartment. Trout was booked into Spokane County Jail on 2nd Degree Assault charges.
Authorities reported that Trout has a criminal history, including previous felony convictions for 2nd Degree Assault (Strangulation) and Taking a Motor Vehicle without Permission. Several agencies, including Park Rangers and WSU Security, assisted in the investigation.
A man with the same name and same birthday was arrested and charged with second-degree assault in 2022 for allegedly tackling and strangling a woman on the Centennial Trail.
