SPOKANE, WASHINGTON: Daniel R Silva, who was allegedly drunk, attacked his co-worker in Washington state on Thursday, September 21, 2023, as per local authorities.
The 35-year-old has been accused of cutting the victim with a handsaw, and swinging an ax while customers were present in the store. He then spat on the floor and yelled he was a demon.
What did authorities say in press release?
The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release. “On September 21, 2023, at approximately 3:20 pm, Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to Fred Meyer, 12120 N. Division, for the report of a person using an axe to cut people. Several Spokane Police Officers also responded to assist.”
It release further read, “Additional information was received that the suspect, identified as 35-year-old Daniel R Silva, a store employee, was believed to be intoxicated, had cut another employee, was still swinging the axe around, and that the store was being evacuated. As Deputies and Officers responded, additional reported information mentioned a knife being used.”
The authorities also talked about the weapon used and the damage the store incurred over the incident.
“The weapons reportedly used by Silva were initially described as an axe, a folding camp saw, a crowbar, and a handsaw.
How many people were injured in the attack?
During the investigation, it was determined that Silva was "swinging a handsaw when he struck the victim and attempted to hit another employee during his assaultive and violent outburst.”
“He also wielded a crowbar during the incident, and a store manager estimated Silva damaged an estimated $2,000 worth of store merchandise,” the authorities further said.
The press release by the Sheriff's office gave details on Silva's arrest.
"Deputies arrived and confronted Silva standing in a store aisle, and he appeared unarmed. He followed commands and was taken into custody. During a search, a box cutter was removed from his person," it said.
"Additional Deputies and Spokane Police Officers conducted a safety sweep of the store to ensure no additional victims needed assistance and no other suspects were involved," the sheriff's office said.
One other adult female employee was hurt during the scuffle. "She was provided treatment at the scene before being transported to the hospital for a substantial but non-life-threatening cut," the authorities said.
Silva's arraignment has been set for October 4, as per Spokane County Superior Court online records.