SWAT team, two K9s used to take rape suspect into custody in Spokane Valley standoff

April 25, 2019 6:45 PM

Kelsie Morgan,

Posted: April 25, 2019 6:45 PM

Updated: May 20, 2021 9:39 AM

by Kelsie Morgan

Stevens Co. Sheriff's Office
Stevens Co. Sheriff's Office dpeuties are looking for Donald Hegel, who is accused of several counts of child rape.

SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — A child rape suspect was taken into custody following a standoff in Spokane Valley Wednesday night.

The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and SWAT Team responded to a tip earlier in the evening that a man wanted for child rape in Stevens county, 38-year-old Donald A. Hegel, was hiding in Spokane Valley.

Deputies found Hegel in the 400 block of S. Leta Road. When he saw them, Hegel ran into a home and refused to come out.

Deputies secured the home and blocked all potential escape routes, while announcing to Hegel that he was under arrest and advising him to surrender peacefully. According to the sheriff’s office, Hegel refused and threatened to start shooting if deputies came any closer.

The SWAT team, a Hostage Negotiation Team and the Spokane Valley Fire Rescue Task Force Team were all called in to help.

Negotiators made contact with Hegel, who continued to refuse to surrender. The SWAT team then released chemical agents and flash bangs into the home “to make it uncomfortable to stay inside,” according to a release.

A robot with a camera on it was then sent inside, which showed Hegel hiding in a closet under a blanket. Eventually, officers determined Hegel’s hands were empty and he was not armed.

Sheriff K9 Gunnar was deployed and latched onto Hegel, who began trying to fight back against the dog. A second K9, Kahn, was then sent in to help. Hegel continued to resist but members of the SWAT team eventually gained control and arrested him.

Hegel was given medical treatment and will be booked into the Spokane County Jail for his previous warrants and new charges of felony harassment, resisting arrest and obstructing law enforcement.

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