SPOKANE VALLEY, WASH. — Spokane Valley Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 35-year-old Charles E. Cartwright on Aug. 13th after multiple neighbors reported gunshots coming from his backyard on N. Herald Road.
Cartwright fired a black powder revolver at least five times from his back porch while a birthday party was taking place nearby. Guests fled out of fear, and other residents sheltered inside their homes for safety.
Deputies responded at approximately 7:40 p.m. and took up perimeter positions around the residence.
When deputies gave commands, Cartwright began reaching toward a holster on his chest.
A deputy deployed a less-lethal round, which deflected off a fence but prompted Cartwright to comply with commands. They took him into custody without further incident.
After being advised of his rights, Cartwright told deputies he was “blowing off steam” and claimed he did not intend to hurt anyone. He said he was using a tree as a backstop.
Cartwright was booked on 10 misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment and 5 misdemeanor counts of aiming or discharging firearms or dangerous weapons. On Aug. 17th, four days later, he was released on his own recognizance by order of Spokane County District Court Judge Pro Tem M. Addams.
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