Adult Suspect Arrested for Shooting Juvenile During Altercation
Spokane Valley Patrol Deputies located a suspect who reportedly shot a juvenile male during an altercation at a party in Spokane Valley. The suspect was charged with Assault 1st Degree. The victim’s wounds were serious but not believed to be life-threatening.
On August 9, 2020, at approximately 12:20 a.m., Spokane Valley Deputies responded to the report of a shooting in the 12800 block of E. 36th Avenue in Spokane Valley.
Deputies and Spokane Valley Fire personnel arrived quickly and located a juvenile male lying in the street, suffering from a gunshot wound to the groin area. He was provided medical treatment and rushed to an area hospital for additional medical aid.
Through the subsequent investigation, initial information indicates the incident started as an altercation between two juvenile females over the phone/social media. The stepfather and mother of one of the involved females got in their vehicle, a black SUV, and responded to the party on 36th Avenue.
Shortly after they arrived, an altercation ensued, and the stepdad, identified as 25-year-old Savaun Carter, got involved. The juvenile male victim jumped in to stop Carter from hitting the juvenile female. During the struggle, Carter shot the juvenile victim, striking the juvenile victim in the upper thigh/groin area. Carter, the adult female, and juveniles got in the SUV and fled the area.
As patrol units arrived on the scene, Deputy Amber Tyler observed a black SUV near 8th and Dishman Mica. Deputy Tyler stopped the vehicle a few minutes later near Sprague and Park. The occupants, including Carter, were detained without incident.
Major Crimes Detectives responded to the scene to assist with the investigation. Detective Drapeau developed probable cause to arrest Carter for Assault 1st Degree. During an interview, after being advised of his rights, Carter admitted to driving to the residence on E. 36th Avenue. He got into an altercation and admitted to firing his handgun into the ground to disperse the large crowd that he said, approached, and threatened him, but he did not intend to hurt anyone.
A .45 ACP pistol, which contained ammunition consistent with the spent casing found at the scene, was located inside the vehicle.
Carter was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Assault 1st Degree.
The victim received medical treatment for what appeared to be a serious but non-life-threatening injury.
