***The Chief will be available for media interviews today at 11:15 am at the Knitting Factory parking lot. ***

Spokane Police responded to two reports of shots fired early this morning.  The first report of a shooting came from a private party at the Knitting Factory.  Two men were sent to the hospital with gunshot wounds.  Thirty minutes later, officers responded to a shooting at a party on N. Maple, which sent two more men to the hospital with gunshot wounds.  Major Crimes Detectives as well as Spokane Violent Crimes Gang Enforcement Team (SVCGET) responded and have been investigating both shootings all morning.  No one has been arrested yet, but officers have identified involved parties.

At 2:18am, 911 received a call of “someone shot”, as well as people running around and yelling in the Knitting Factory parking lot at 919 W. Sprague.  More than 20 SPD officers responded to the scene within minutes.  Two males suffered gunshot wounds and are being treated at a local hospital. Both victims are listed in serious condition.

The parking lot and surrounding area was established as a crime scene, which allowed the SPD Forensic Unit to process the scene for physical evidence.  Sprague Avenue between Post and Lincoln was shut down during the investigation. 

Thirty minutes later, at 2:50am, someone called police to report hearing gun shots, a vehicle “peeling out” and a woman screaming at 1719 N. Maple.  Witnesses reported seeing someone lying in the street.  Again, nearly 20 officers, including Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies, responded to the shooting.  Two males were identified with gunshot wounds and are being treated at a local hospital.

 “Violence will not be tolerated and we will not allow a small group of people to repeatedly commit violent acts at this location or any other.  We have identified the persons involved in this incident and are working to ensure a suspect is quickly brought to justice,” Chief Frank Straub said.

This is the fourth time Spokane Police officers have responded to the Knitting Factory on a report of a shooting in the past year alone.  Additionally, SPD officers have responded to numerous other incidents of violence at or near this location.

Despite this incident, overall crime in downtown Spokane is down more than 10% since the beginning of the year and the increased downtown police presence is having the intended effect.

Anyone with information regarding last night’s shooting is urged to call Crimestoppers 800-222-TIPS.