Erratic Male, Armed with Knives, Successfully Taken into Custody
Spokane Valley Deputies responded to a call of a disorderly subject near E. Trent Avenue and N. Adams Road in Spokane Valley. The caller stated the male was holding two 10” knives in his hands and punching a sign. Deputies attempted to de-escalate the incident, but the male refused to follow commands and continued his erratic behavior. Deputies eventually used less-lethal options to take the male into custody successfully.
On May 2, 2022, at approximately 12:50 am., Spokane Valley Deputies responded to a report of a male acting erratically and armed with two knives. The male was described as in his 30’s, wearing jeans, no shirt, and holding what the caller described as two approximately 10” knives in his hands. The male was also observed punching a sign.
Arriving Deputies located a male, later identified as 36-year-old Joseph J. Meeks, at the intersection of Trent and Adams. Meeks matched the description provided by the caller and had a knife in the back of his belt.
Deputies noted Meeks was extremely erratic, appeared agitated, and would not listen to or follow instructions. He was easily distracted and would randomly escalate his demeanor at times. One knife was observed on the back-left side of Meeks’ belt, and a second knife was observed in his right front pants pocket.
Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) advised Meeks had a confirmed misdemeanor warrant for his arrest (Obstructing).
Meeks was advised he was under arrest for the warrant, but instead of complying, Meeks backed away from Deputies. He was advised multiple times that he was under arrest and not free to leave but refused to follow commands. Meeks moved his watch and rings lower on his hands, similar to a makeshift set of brass knuckles, paced back and forth with his fists clenched, and put on clothing only to take it off. He also reached around on his person near the knives.
With attempts to de-escalate and gain compliance unsuccessful, Deputies deployed less-lethal options while maintaining lethal cover, while attempts to gain compliance continued.
Meeks backed away from Deputies, looked down, and pulled an object from his right pants pocket. Deputies advised Meeks to drop what appeared to be a knife but could not be clearly seen. Deputies deployed less-lethal pepper balls, which were ineffective. A Taser was deployed and was effective. Meeks continued to resist arrest but was taken into custody after a short struggle.
Meeks was provided medical treatment at the scene. Two large knives and other items that appeared to be homemade weapons were recovered. A container with a white crystalline substance was located in Meeks’ pants pocket. The substance, believed to be Methamphetamine, was field-tested and showed a presumptive positive result.
The knives and other items were booked into property as evidence. Meeks was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Resisting Arrest and for his warrant for Obstructing. His bond was set at $500 total by Spokane County District Court Judge Aimee Maurer.
