Charges dropped in North Side shooting, but could be re-filed

Criminal charges have been dropped against a north Spokane man who had been accused of shooting another man in the buttocks.

However, the case remains under investigation and charges for the July shooting could be refiled, according to prosecutors.

Mark A. Thompson, 60, was first booked into the Spokane County Jail on July 29, on a charge of first-degree assault. The man he allegedly shot said he approached Thompson at his home in the 4300 block of North Cincinnati around 2 a.m. to ask for jumper cables. That man told witnesses Thompson was rude to him and he returned to Thompson’s house with several people to confront him, according to court documents.

Several witnesses said Thompson appeared to be aiming a gun at people before someone hit Thompson in the back of the head. A witness said Thompson fell down, but then came up firing, according to court documents.

Police recovered nearly a dozen .380-caliber shell casings at the scene and found a .380 handgun in the back seat of Thompson’s car with a door open. A .45-caliber gun was found on the lawn next to the car.

Dave Stevens, Thompson’s attorney, said his client believes someone shot at him during the melee.

“I don’t know if somebody did shoot at him or not,” Stevens said. “That’s what he thinks.”

Stevens said that the wounded man and two of the witnesses have lengthy criminal histories.

Spokane County Prosecutor Larry Haskell said the case is still under investigation and he intends to re-file charges.

“For the time being, there’s insufficient evidence to move forward,” said Haskell. “When we gather up what we need, we will re-file.”

Thompson’s attorney said he wasn’t notified that charges were dropped on Aug. 26, and Thompson sat in the Spokane County Jail until Tuesday.

Stevens said he found out about the dismissal when he checked the court file on Monday.

Haskell said the dismissal notice was faxed to the Spokane County Jail on Friday, which is the normal procedure.

“What happens after that is up to the jail,” he said. “I can’t even speculate.”

Detention Services Director John McGrath did not respond to a message seeking comment about the delay.