Deputy Detains Man with BB Gun at Precinct

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  On July 25, 2026, Spokane Valley Deputy observed 46-year-old Justin A. Thompson loading a realistic-looking BB gun replica“On July 25, 2026, at approximately 5:25 pm, as a Spokane Valley Deputy pulled up to the gate of the secured law enforcement parking area of the Spokane Valley Precinct, he observed a male, later identified as 46-year-old Justin A. Thompson, standing in front of the building near the main public entrance, with a backpack. Thompson stepped forward and unslung his backpack. Finding this strange since it was Saturday and the public lobby was closed, the Deputy continued to watch Thompson, who did not attempt to flag the Deputy down or indicate he wished to be contacted. Thompson opened his backpack, retrieved an object that he held in his right hand, and set the backpack on the ground. At first, the Deputy could not distinguish what Thompson was holding, but he quickly noticed it appeared to be a black semiautomatic handgun. Thompson appeared to insert a magazine into the pistol and, with his left hand, rack the slide, appearing to chamber/load the pistol.”
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  The observation occurred near the Spokane Valley Precinct parking area“On July 25, 2026, at approximately 5:25 pm, as a Spokane Valley Deputy pulled up to the gate of the secured law enforcement parking area of the Spokane Valley Precinct, he observed a male, later identified as 46-year-old Justin A. Thompson, standing in front of the building near the main public entrance, with a backpack.”
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  The observation occurred at 5:25 p.m.“On July 25, 2026, at approximately 5:25 pm, as a Spokane Valley Deputy pulled up to the gate of the secured law enforcement parking area of the Spokane Valley Precinct, he observed a male, later identified as 46-year-old Justin A. Thompson, standing in front of the building near the main public entrance, with a backpack.”
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  Thompson initially gave a false name“Thompson, who first provided a false name, was advised of his rights and agreed to answer questions.”
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  Thompson admitted he was trying to 'find something to do'“He said, “I was just trying to find something to do, so I figured I’d play with my gun until somebody came out.””
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  Thompson admitted he was trying to 'play with my gun until somebody came out'“He said, “I was just trying to find something to do, so I figured I’d play with my gun until somebody came out.””
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  Thompson was booked into Spokane County Jail on charges of Brandishing/Intimidating with a Weapon“Thompson was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail on charges of Brandishing/Intimidating with a Weapon and Making False Statements to a Public Servant.”
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  Thompson was booked into Spokane County Jail on charges of Making False Statements to a Public Servant“Thompson was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail on charges of Brandishing/Intimidating with a Weapon and Making False Statements to a Public Servant.”
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  Deputies confirmed the device was a CO2-powered Sig Sauer BB gun replica“They confirmed it was a realistic-looking Sig Sauer BB gun, with a reciprocating slide and removable magazine, that was powered by CO2.”
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  The device had a reciprocating slide“They confirmed it was a realistic-looking Sig Sauer BB gun, with a reciprocating slide and removable magazine, that was powered by CO2.”
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  The device had a removable magazine“They confirmed it was a realistic-looking Sig Sauer BB gun, with a reciprocating slide and removable magazine, that was powered by CO2.”
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  Deputies explained to Thompson that safer methods exist to contact officers without brandishing a weapon“Deputies explained the numerous ways he could have safely contacted a Deputy without pulling out a realistic-looking firearm to gain attention.”