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Police arrest man who caused Spokane City Hall to be placed on lockdown Monday

The city said employees are free to leave and will be escorted offsite by a police officer.

SPOKANE, Wash. — A man who reportedly made a threat to Spokane City Council members Monday night has been arrested.

According to the Spokane Police Department, Spokane City Hall was closed due to a reported security threat on Monday. Police said the primary focus of the investigation was 46-year-old Chesed Johnson, who police said made threats referencing using deadly force.

Police said Johnson had arrest warrants for intimidating a public servant and stalking, along with pending charges of second-degree escape for failing to follow court-mandated sanctions.

Police said Johnson was found in North Idaho on Tuesday and was taken into custody on the Washington warrants.

According to a spokesperson with the City of Spokane, it received a call from Spokane Police Chief Hall at around 2:30 p.m. Monday afternoon. Police advised the lock down of City Hall.

The city said employees are free to leave and will be escorted offsite by a police officer. 

Monday night's City Council meeting has been canceled as a result of Monday night's reported security threat. Spokane City Council President Betsy Wilkerson asked people to stay away from City Hall.

Monday night's City Council meeting has been rescheduled to Thursday, November 14.

According to Spokane City Councilman Zack Zappone, council members received an email from a man who, Zappone said, was threatening police to shoot him outside of City Hall. City and Spokane County employees received the email.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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