Woman arrested after breaking into Spokane home, leading to SWAT standoff

SPOKANE, Wash. - A woman was arrested Thursday afternoon after Spokane Police said she broke into a home on West Spofford Avenue and caused a SWAT standoff.

According to police, 31-year-old Kyza R. Richardson was seen throwing a brick at a window of the house just before noon. Callers said Richardson had broken into the same home in the past.

Officers showed up to the home and saw several doors had been barricaded shut. SPD said it could identify Richardson and there was a protection order in place that meant she was not allowed on the property.

Just before 1 p.m., SPD said officers tried to contact Richardson, but she was not receptive. SWAT, K9 units, hostage negotiators, and air support arrived to try and get her out of the home.

A search warrant was given to officers, and they were able to put chemical irritants in the home to draw Richardson out.

Richardson surrendered and was arrested. She was booked into Spokane County Jail for burglary, unlawful possession of a firearm, violating a court order and malicious mischief.

SPD said the weapon charge was added after officers found evidence Richardson had a gun at one point while in the home.

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