Photo by Richard Schut
An arrest unfolded in Deer Park as a suspect was apprehended by law enforcement in connection with a Spokane shooting. Specialty units, including SPD SWAT and Hostage Negotiators, surrounded the residence, leading to the suspect’s peaceful surrender.
Blaze L. Kenson, age 19, was arrested in connection with a shooting incident that took place in Spokane back in June. The Violent Crimes Task Force (VCTF) located Kenson at a residence near the intersection of South Colville Road and H Street in Deer Park. Multiple specialty units, including SPD SWAT and Hostage Negotiators, quickly closed off the area and surrounded the home. The occupants were evacuated, and Kenson surrendered to law enforcement without incident.
The Deer Park Gazette originally reported on August 1st, 2024, “SWAT Standoff On H Street,” available at: News.dpgazette.com/2024/08/swat-standoff-on-h-street/.
The initial incident occurred just before 11pm on June 10th, 2024, when Spokane Police responded to a shooting report at a residence in the 400 block of E Empire Ave. According to reports, several people arrived at the home in a vehicle and were recognized by the residents. A physical altercation ensued, during which one of the males produced a firearm and fired multiple shots at a resident. Fortunately, none of the residents were struck by the gunfire. Officers on the scene received information about the suspect’s identity, which led to the involvement of the Spokane Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit (MCU) and VCTF in the investigation.
Kenson was booked into the Spokane County jail on August 1st, 2024, and is facing two charges after his first court appearance. The first charge is for the drive-by shooting, with his bond set at $75,000. The second charge is for hit and run involving unattended property, with a bond set at $500.
Sources:
- Spokane Police Department, and Officer Daniel Strassenberg. “Drive By shooting suspect taken into custody.” Spokane City, 5 Aug. 2024, My.spokanecity.org/police/news/2024/08/05/drive-by-shooting-suspect-taken-into-custody/. Accessed 5 Aug. 2024.
- “Spokane County Inmate Roster.” Spokane County, Spokanecounty.org/352/Inmate-Roster. Accessed 5 Aug. 2024.
