A wanted fugitive, with two felony warrants out of Idaho, is now in custody after an almost 9-hour standoff in a home in east central Spokane. 30-year-old Benjamin Ellis was known to be armed in the past. That's why Spokane Police say it was extremely important they take the standoff slow and steady so that officers and those living in the area remained safe.
Spokane Police Officer Teresa Fuller says they will also be investigating a fire that started in the house while the standoff was happening.
The scene started just before 11:00pm Thursday. Spokane Police Patrol Anti-Crime Team (PACT) arrived at a house in the 2100 block of east Cataldo following information they had gained from their investigation into Ellis. Just before midnight, officers saw Ellis outside and then watched him run into the home. Another male, who was armed with a handgun, was taken into custody in front of the house.
Click here for video of KHQ on the scene.
During the standoff the SWAT team and Hostage Negotiators arrived. Neighbors within the block were asked to shelter in place. Crestline and Cataldo were temporarily closed.
(story and video: Nichole Mischke, KHQ Right Now Reporter, KHQ.com; photo: KHQ.com)