Police seek ‘armed, dangerous’ man

POST FALLS — Police are searching for an “armed and dangerous” man suspected of a multi-state crime spree.

Jesse Spitzer, 30, of Sultan, Wash., is wanted out of Snohomish County for first-degree burglary, first-degree assault and possession of a stolen vehicle. The charges stem from an incident that occurred Friday.

Spitzer reportedly evaded law enforcement in Gold Bar, Wash. on Saturday, escaping into the woods.

He reappeared Sunday in Chelan County, police said, and was involved in another unspecified incident.

Post Falls police responded Wednesday morning to a report that a firearm had been stolen out of a vehicle on Clearwater Loop.

Meanwhile, a resident reported a suspicious person approaching a neighbor’s house.

Law enforcement located the suspect, identified as Spitzer.

Spitzer allegedly brandished a firearm and threatened to shoot himself if officers didn’t leave.

He reportedly led police on a foot chase, running through yards and jumping fences in the Woodbridge subdivision.

The Post Falls Special Response Team responded to a residence on Lynwood Court, where Spitzer was believed to be hiding in a shed.

Police reportedly found two firearms and other evidence, but not Spitzer.

Spitzer was still wanted by law enforcement at press time.

In 2011, a 19-year-old Spitzer pleaded guilty to attempted murder with a deadly weapon and burglary after reportedly shooting at a sheriff’s sergeant while trying to avoid arrest in Nevada.

He was sentenced to 22 years in prison.

Snohomish County police said Spitzer has shaved his head and uses makeup to cover his face tattoos.

Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should call 911 or the Post Falls Police Department at 208.773.3517.