Suspected heroin dealer surrenders to SWAT team

A suspected heroin dealer surrendered to a Spokane police SWAT team after a standoff on Thursday. Jacob E. Snizik, 25, tried to run from a home in the 6800 block of North Napa Street when a SWAT team showed up about 5 p.m., but “the scene was so well secure” that he retreated back inside, Officer Brian Eckersley said. Snizik armed himself with a handgun but surrendered without incident a short while later after a SWAT sergeant talked to him over the phone, Eckersley said. Police say they seized five firearms and found heroin and drug sale supplies in Snizik’s home. Snizik is a convicted felon, which means he’s prohibited from possession firearms. He was booked into Spokane County Jail on five counts of first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a controlled substance (heroin). Snizik was sentenced to 22 months in prison in 2008 after pleading guilty to second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, and residential burglary and first-degree theft, according to news archives. He also has convictions for second-degree theft and possession of a controlled substance.