SPOKANE, WA – A 44-year-old man is in custody following a domestic violence investigation involving bear spray and illegal firearms in a wooded area near South Cheney Spokane Road.

The incident began on June 3, when a woman approached a gas station employee to report that she had been assaulted while camping. Responding officers observed that she showed signs of exposure to bear spray or a similar chemical agent. The victim stated the assault was committed by a man she had been involved with and also noted seeing a shotgun in his tent days prior. Based on her account, officers developed probable cause to arrest the man for third-degree assault (domestic violence). Spokane Police deployed SWAT and Air Support units to search the area, but the suspect was not immediately found.

On June 4, the woman returned to the campsite to retrieve her belongings and again encountered the suspect. She contacted 911, and with assistance from a drone operated by the SPD Air Support Unit, officers located the man in the wooded area. He was taken into custody without incident. Officers also recovered multiple firearms tied to the suspect at the site.

Daniel J. Tillotson was booked into the Spokane County Jail on charges of third-degree assault (DV) and two counts of first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm.

Authorities urge the public to report non-emergencies to Crime Check at 509-456-2233 and to call 911 for emergencies. For mental health support, the 988 hotline is available.