SPOKANE VALLEY — A shoplifting incident escalated into a violent confrontation Tuesday evening when a suspect assaulted loss prevention officers and commanded his dog to bite a store manager, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.
Spokane Valley deputies arrested 31-year-old Michael R. Espinoza on charges of first-degree robbery, third-degree theft and two counts of fourth-degree assault following the incident at a store near the intersection of East Montogomery Avenue and North Argonne Road.
Around 7:25 p.m., loss prevention officers observed Espinoza concealing items in his clothing while walking through the store with a 75-pound dog, deputies said. After exiting without paying for approximately $125 worth of merchandise, loss prevention contacted him outside.
Espinoza released his dog and told it to “get him,” according to deputies. The dog bit the store manager on the wrist but did not break skin. When officers attempted to detain Espinoza, he struck one with his knee, shoved another and hit an officer in the face before being handcuffed, the sheriff’s office said.
Store employees sustained minor injuries, and the stolen merchandise was recovered, deputies said.
Despite the attempted theft, Espinoza was carrying $516 in cash and a baggie containing an unknown substance, according to the sheriff’s office. A background check revealed an outstanding felony warrant from Grant County.
After being medically cleared at a hospital, Espinoza was booked into Spokane County Jail and trespassed from all store locations.
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