~ A fleeing felon was apprehended by officers after they observed him armed with a handgun near Downtown Spokane on August 28th, 2025. The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Richard Tomich, was seen carrying a revolver on his hip in a parking lot near 2nd and McClellan.

According to Officer Daniel Strassenberg, Public Information Officer for the Spokane Police Department, additional officers responded to the location as Tomich entered his vehicle and attempted to leave the area. As officers approached the vehicle, Tomich was still in possession of the gun. However, when they asked him to step out of the vehicle, he fled at a high rate of speed, nearly hitting several pedestrians.

Due to the heavy congestion of vehicles and pedestrians in the area and Tomich's erratic driving as he fled, officers did not pursue him. Instead, they began searching for him in the lower south hill area based on his direction of travel. Eventually, Tomich's unoccupied vehicle was found in the area of 17th and Hatch and he was detained nearby without incident.

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During their investigation, officers discovered a large quantity of drugs and cash on Tomich's person. The gun that had been observed on his hip earlier was not found at first but with the assistance of an SPD K9 unit, it was eventually located discarded on a sidewalk.

Tomich has been booked into Spokane County Jail for Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle, 1st Degree Unlawful Possession of a Firearm and Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent To Deliver. Photos from the scene show officers searching for evidence and recovering the discarded gun.

This incident serves as another reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day while working to keep our communities safe. Thanks to their quick actions and thorough investigation techniques, this potentially dangerous situation was resolved without any harm coming to innocent bystanders.

The Spokane Police Department is grateful for the assistance of the K9 unit and the cooperation of the community in helping to bring this fleeing felon to justice. Anyone with additional information about this incident is urged to contact the Spokane Police Department.

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