Suspect Arrested Following Shooting in Restaurant Parking Lot
Spokane Valley Deputies and Major Crimes Detectives responded to the scene of a shooting in the parking lot of Marandos Bar & Restaurant at closing time. The adult male shooting suspect was located and later arrested. One adult male victim received what was initially thought to be life-threatening injuries but is now listed in stable condition by the hospital. A second adult male victim received a minor injury.
On November 28, 2021, at approximately 2:00 am., Spokane Valley Deputies responded to the report of someone firing shots in the parking lot of Marandos Bar & Restaurant, located at 11420 E. Sprague in Spokane Valley. It was unknown if anyone was injured.
Several Spokane Valley Deputies arrived quickly and began piecing information together to determine if anyone was injured, who was responsible, and why. Spent shell casings were located, but no suspect(s) or victim(s) were found.
Through their continued investigative work, a possible suspect vehicle and victim vehicle were identified.
Within minutes, Deputy Bitzer located the possible suspect vehicle near Skipworth and 4th Avenue. She requested additional units as she attempted to contact two males standing near the truck. Initially not following commands, both adult males were detained. A handgun was located in the grass near the location where Deputy Bitzer initially attempted to contact the two males. The pistol showed as reported stolen in Lewiston, Idaho, in November 2020. The second male that was detained was later released without charges.
Soon after, Deputies received information that a possible victim arrived at an emergency room with what appeared to be a life-threatening gunshot wound. A second adult male victim with a minor injury was also contacted at the hospital. He told investigators the wound to his neck was caused by a bullet the grazed his neck. The other victim remains hospitalized, listed in stable condition.
Major Crimes Detectives and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Forensic Unit Technicians responded to the scene to continue the investigation, collect evidence, and document the scenes.
Through the investigation, the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Rafael D. Castellano, was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail for two counts of Assault 1st Degree and Possession of a Stolen Firearm.
Both vehicles used by the suspect and victims were seized as evidence pending search warrants.
This remains an active and ongoing investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident who investigators have not already contacted is asked to call Crime Check at 509-456-2233, reference #10156979.