SPOKANE VALLEY, WA — A Spokane Valley man with seven prior felony convictions was arrested earlier this month following a shooting incident that began as an argument over a vehicle, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies responded to reports of a gunshot near the intersection of East Harrington Avenue and North Vista Road around 5:50 p.m. on September 29. Investigators learned that a white male suspect had fired a shot during a dispute before fleeing the scene in a white SUV.

No injuries were reported, but deputies discovered that the bullet had ricocheted and passed through a nearby garage wall, coming within feet of the intended victim. Evidence collected at the scene included a .40-caliber shell casing.

Through the investigation, detectives identified the suspect as 42-year-old Justin C. Hancock, a seven-time convicted felon prohibited from possessing firearms. Detectives later located the suspect’s vehicle in the 1900 block of North Hutchinson Road.

On October 14, while conducting surveillance, detectives confirmed Hancock was at the location and requested SWAT assistance due to his criminal history and the violent nature of the incident. At approximately 1:05 p.m., SWAT members arrested Hancock without incident.

After being read his rights, Hancock reportedly admitted to firing the pistol but claimed the shot was accidental. He also acknowledged being a convicted felon who is not legally allowed to possess a firearm.

Hancock was booked into the Spokane County Jail on charges of first-degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm in the second degree.