Suspect Arrested after Attempting to Enter Window of Occupied Hotel Room
Spokane Valley Deputies located a male suspect who attempted to break into a ground floor window of an occupied hotel room in Spokane Valley. The startled victim chased the suspect and contacted a Spokane Valley Sergeant in a nearby parking lot. The suspect, located a short distance away, had a full-sized hammer concealed in the front of pant and a boxcutter in his pocket. He was arrested and booked into jail for Residential Burglary.
On December 22, 2020, just before 12:30 am., Spokane Valley Deputies responded to an attempted residential burglary at the Comfort Inn Suites located at 12415 E. Mission in Spokane Valley.
The victim told the front desk employee as he ran out of the lobby to call 911 and that a male just tried to break into his hotel room.
As the victim chased the suspect, later identified as 45-year-old Alfred L. Chavez Jr., he approached a patrol car in an adjacent parking lot and reported the incident to Sergeant Streltzoff. Sergeant Streltzoff relayed the information via radio as patrol units began responding to the employee's call.
Within minutes, Sergeant Satake located Chavez near Boone and Pines. Sergeant Satake contacted Chavez and told him to put his backpack on the ground. Chavez complied and then began to reach in his pockets. He was told to keep his hands visible, and Sergeant Satake asked if Chavez had any weapons. Chavez replied he had a hammer in his pants. During a search for weapons, a full-sized hammer was found concealed down the front of Chavez’s pants and a box cutter was located in his front pants pocket. When asked what the hammer was for, Chavez replied, “Protection”.
Chavez was detained for further investigation.
The victim positively identified Chavez as the male he observed trying to enter his hotel room window. He stated he did not know Chavez, never gave him permission to enter his room, and he wished to pursue charges against Chavez for trying to break in.
The victim told Deputy Lederle he checked in to the hotel earlier in the evening. Just before the incident, he had decided to watch TV. Suddenly, he heard the window being thrust open behind him. He pulled the curtain back and observed Chavez. He said the window had only opened a small amount because he ensured the safety latch was secured when he arrived.
He said Chavez said, “I’m sorry.” and began to walk away. He grabbed a baseball bat he had with him and ran out to confront Chavez. In the parking lot, Chavez told him he was supposed to meet someone. As Chavez walked away, the victim followed him and reported the incident to a Deputy in a nearby parking lot.
After being advised of his rights, Chavez explained he planned to meet a girl (only identified by a first name) he knew who was dealing with a contentious breakup with her ex-boyfriend. When asked why he didn’t just knock on the door, he said, “Because I did not think they would let me in.” He could not explain who “they” are. When asked if his fingerprint would be found on the window, he said, “No, because I wear gloves.”
Chavez was arrested for Residential Burglary 2nd Degree. He was also found to be in possession of a flashlight, a rock, glass pipes, and electrical tape in addition to the hammer and boxcutter.
Chavez was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for the noted felony charge.
