Three will be tried in adult court; two cases remain in juvenile court as investigators sort through digital evidence.
SPOKANE, Wash. — A phone video of a 19-year-old restrained and assaulted inside a north Spokane apartment led detectives to arrest five teenagers and forward charges ranging from first-degree kidnapping to robbery, police said Thursday.
Investigators were first contacted about the recording on Jan. 24 and spent several days confirming the victim’s identity and the location seen in the clip. Detectives believe the assault happened on or before Jan. 22. The Spokane Police Department said the five suspects are ages 15 to 17; three cases have been remanded to Spokane County Superior Court and two remain in Juvenile Superior Court. The agency credited witness tips that arrived after the video circulated on social media and said multiple units worked the case to develop probable cause for arrests and warrants.
In a written statement, the department said the video “shows the victim being restrained in a chair as he is being assaulted to include being threatened with firearms.” The same statement said “the crime appeared to be a pre-planned event as the victim was lured to this location.” Separate filings referenced by local outlets indicate the victim was tied, beaten and robbed of belongings during the encounter before being released. Officials have not disclosed the extent of the victim’s injuries, and no hospital has issued a public status update. Police did not identify the teens by name because of their ages.
Prosecutors said the adult-court cases will begin with arraignments and potential bail settings in Superior Court, where a firearm enhancement attached to a first-degree kidnapping charge can increase prison exposure if a conviction is returned. The two juvenile cases will proceed in Juvenile Superior Court under different sentencing rules and privacy protections. Detectives continue to analyze phones and messaging tied to the incident, including the original clip and any related posts. Authorities said more details could come in future filings if additional charges are supported by the evidence.
The apartment identified by detectives sits on Spokane’s north side amid a cluster of walk-up buildings and student rentals. Neighbors reported a heavy police presence this week as officers served warrants and canvassed for security cameras. A resident who asked not to be named said officers collected digital media and knocked on doors for potential witnesses. Police said the suspects and victim were acquainted in some way but did not describe their connection.
As of Thursday evening, the five teenagers were in custody and initial appearances had begun for the cases sent to adult court. The department said it would release updates as hearings are scheduled and as digital evidence reviews are completed in the coming days.
Author note: Last updated January 30, 2026.