Submitted by Fox First at Ten on August 22nd
Spokane Valley Police Department Press Release: SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. - On Monday evening, August 20, 2012, at about 8:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Sheriff's Deputy J. Getchell responded to the area of Cement and Portland Road to an assault with a weapon call. A female caller reported that a male had been struck in the head with a sword. Prior to Deputy Getchell's arrival dispatch advised the suspects had left the area in a 4- door Jaguar. The caller also said that the suspects were mother and son. A witness had followed the suspects to a residence near the area of 11600 E. Empire Way. Deputy Getchell was familiar with the residence as he had been there on previous calls. Deputy C. Sciortino remained at the suspect's address while Deputy Getchell contacted the 41 year old male victim. The victim said he lives in the area and was walking home from a local bar when he saw a black vehicle parked in the middle of the road. He said he saw a black male in the driver's seat of the vehicle yelling at another male standing in a yard near the area of 12300 E. Portland. He said there was an adult female standing outside the passenger side door of the vehicle also yelling at the male. The victim said he walked past the vehicle intentionally not looking at the occupants or getting involved in the argument. The victim said the female, later identified as 48 year old Lillian Howell, came walking towards him flailing her arms as if she was going to hit him. The victim said he put his arms in the air to protect himself, then saw the driver, 27 year old Nicholas Howell, walking towards him holding a large sword. The victim said Nicholas swung the sword at him and struck him on the left side of his head. The victim said he tried to defend himself and was struck a second time with the sword on the left side of his head. The victim said at about that time neighbors came outside and were able to take the sword from Nicholas. Deputy Getchell took custody of the sword and placed it on property. Deputy Getchell responded to the suspect's residence where Deputy Sciortino had Lillian detained. Based on his investigation, Deputy Getchell placed Lillian under arrest for Disorderly Conduct and booked her into the Spokane County Jail. Deputies were not able to locate Nicholas Howell. Probable Cause exists for the arrest of 27 year old Nicholas Howell for the charge of 1st Degree Assault. Anyone with information of his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Check at 509-456-2233.
