Argument Call Turns into Lengthy Standoff with Armed/Barricaded Wanted Suspect
Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies initially responded to an argument call at a location west of Deer Park. The suspect was reported to be in crisis, armed with a large axe, and had a valid federal probation warrant for his arrest. After a several hours-long standoff, the suspect was taken into custody by SWAT Team members. He was provided medical attention and later booked into jail on a U.S. Marshals Hold.
During this incident, the U. S. Marshals Service assisted Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, SWAT Team, Crisis Negotiators, UAS Operators, BHU Unit, and K9 Units worked together to end this intense and dangerous situation successfully.
On February 17, 2025, at approximately 9:20 am, Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported argument at a location on W. Antler Road, west of N. Spotted Road.
Responding Deputies were also advised that the possible suspect, 66-year-old Lenard W. Zickefoose, had a federal probation violation warrant for his arrest and requested the assistance of the U.S. Marshals Service.
Zickefoose was said to be in crisis, recently becoming more aggressive/violent, and was armed with an axe. A family member called Zickefoose and verified he was inside the motorhome but could not get him to surrender. Deputies also learned Zickefoose was involved in an argument with another person living on the property and ended up striking the person’s door with an axe twice, causing damage. The neighbor did not wish to be a victim, but Deputies were able to verify the door was damaged from what appeared to be axe strikes.
Deputies and U.S. Marshals attempted to contact Zickefoose, who was reportedly inside his older motorhome on the property, but he did not respond to repeated PA announcements.
With Zickefoose reportedly in crisis, armed with an axe, and reported increasingly violent behavior, and a valid arrest warrant, combined with his refusal to surrender or communicate with Deputies, they requested the SWAT Team, Crisis Negotiators, UAS Operators, BHU Units, K9 Units, and additional assets to assist.
Once on scene, SWAT Team members and K9 Units took over the perimeter as Crisis Negotiators and BHU Units continually attempted to coax Zickefoose into peacefully surrendering, but their attempts were unsuccessful. Unfortunately, several use-of-force warnings and announcements advising him to surrender were also ineffective.
As the hours-long standoff continued, a search warrant was obtained, and chemical irritants, less-lethal options, and K9 were used to get Zickefoose to exit the motorhome. At approximately 3:30 pm., Deputies took him into custody and recovered his axe after he was safely placed in handcuffs.
Zickefoose was provided medical attention before being transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail on a U.S. Marshal Hold.
This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "Argument Call Turns into Lengthy Standoff with Armed/Barricaded Wanted Suspect" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7