Deputies searching for masked burglary suspect

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office is seeking help identifying a masked burglary suspect who hit a cleaner in the head with a tire iron. The suspect was attempting to burglarize Morty’s Pub and Grill, 5517 S. Regal St. at about 3 a.m. on Oct. 24 when the victim entered to clean the business. The victim confronted the suspect and tried to detain him as the suspect was climbing over the smoking area fence. During the struggle, the suspect pulled out a tire iron and began hitting the victim. The victim was able to pull the hood, mask and baseball cap off the suspect’s head before the suspect fled. The suspect is described as a white male, 5’10”, stocky build, wearing a blue hooded sweatshirt, gray sweatpants, black or dark brown high top style shoes, a baseball cap and dark gloves with white writing near the knuckles. Deputies checked the area with the assistance of a police dog, but could not locate the suspect. The victim said he feared for his life and thought the suspect was going to stab him with the pointed end of the tire iron. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment and received stitches in the back of his head. If you can help Major Crimes detectives identify this suspect or have information regarding this incident, you are asked to call Det. Justin Elliott at (509) 477-3786 and reference report number #359818.