SPOKANE, WA – A domestic violence suspect was taken into custody in Montana after fleeing Washington state, following a violent incident in Spokane on March 10.
The Spokane Police Department (SPD) responded to a residence in the 2300 block of East Boone Avenue around 1:20 p.m. after receiving a 911 call from a man who reported that his mother had texted him, urgently asking for help. Upon arrival, officers learned that the woman had sent the message “get here quick,” and when her son called, she appeared to be under duress.
The son arrived at the residence and saw his stepfather outside, allegedly holding what appeared to be a firearm. While officers spoke with the son, the victim was located at another location. She reported that she had been assaulted inside the home and prevented from leaving for several hours. According to her statement, an AR-style rifle had been pointed at her while she was on the phone, and the suspect had made threats of a murder-suicide. Officers observed multiple injuries on the victim.
Investigators identified the suspect as 47-year-old Duane Chickene. Probable cause was established for his arrest on multiple charges, including second-degree assault–domestic violence, first-degree kidnapping–domestic violence, and harassment.
Due to concerns about firearms, SPD deployed SWAT, hostage negotiators, and the Air Support Unit to the scene. The home was surrounded, and attempts were made to communicate with Chickene for several hours. Although brief contact was made by phone, he was uncooperative. Officers obtained a search warrant and entered the residence, but Chickene was not inside. Multiple firearms, including an AR-15-style rifle, were recovered from the home.
Shortly after, SPD received information that Chickene had fled to Montana and was a suspect in a vehicle theft. He was taken into custody near Babb, Montana, in the early morning hours and will be extradited to Washington to face charges.
Authorities remind anyone in need of help to contact the Domestic Violence Helpline at 509-326-CALL.
