Manhunt in Spokane: Fugitive Found Hiding Under Child’s Bed
In a tense operation last week, the United States Marshals Service successfully apprehended a wanted fugitive who had attempted to evade capture by hiding beneath a child’s bed in Spokane, Washington. Keantray Davon Bryant-Muellner, who was being sought for probation violations connected to previous firearm and assault charges from earlier this year, surrendered without resistance once discovered by the highly coordinated team of federal agents. The arrest highlights the ongoing collaborative efforts between various law enforcement agencies to reduce gun violence and capture dangerous individuals who pose threats to community safety.
The operation began around 5:30 in the evening when members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force surrounded and secured a residence near the 3000 block of South Regal Street. After receiving no response to repeated commands for occupants to exit, officers strategically removed a glass sliding door to gain entry into the home. Two adults, who were not targets of the investigation, quickly exited the residence upon law enforcement’s entry. What followed was a methodical room-by-room search that eventually led officers to a child’s bedroom, where they discovered Bryant-Muellner attempting to conceal himself under the bed. Despite his efforts to hide, the fugitive surrendered peacefully once his hiding place was discovered.
Following the arrest, authorities conducted a lawful probation search of the premises, during which they discovered and seized a handgun along with high-capacity magazines. These findings were particularly concerning given Bryant-Muellner’s history with firearm-related offenses. His original charges from 2024 had included weapons violations and assault, making the discovery of additional firearms especially troubling. The seizure of these weapons represents a meaningful step in the ongoing battle against gun violence that continues to affect Spokane and communities across the nation.
Craig Thayer, the U.S. Marshal for the Eastern District of Washington, emphasized the importance of inter-agency cooperation in apprehending dangerous individuals. “The arrest reflects the strength of our partnerships and the teamwork among local, state, tribal and federal law enforcement agencies,” Thayer stated. This sentiment underscores how complex operations like this one depend on seamless communication and coordination between different jurisdictions and levels of government. The successful outcome demonstrates how these partnerships create a more effective law enforcement response that transcends the limitations any single agency might face when working in isolation.
The operation’s success also points to a broader public safety strategy that focuses on removing both dangerous individuals and illegal firearms from communities. “With gun violence continuing to plague Spokane, every violent offender arrested and every firearm taken off the street makes our communities safer,” added Thayer. This dual approach—addressing both the people who commit gun-related crimes and the weapons they use—represents a comprehensive strategy for reducing violence in the community. Each arrest and firearm seizure contributes incrementally to creating safer neighborhoods and preventing future incidents that could endanger innocent lives.
The arrest was executed through the combined efforts of multiple agencies working in concert. The U.S. Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force led the operation with crucial support from the FBI, the Spokane Police Department, and the Washington State Department of Corrections. This multi-agency approach highlights how modern law enforcement increasingly relies on pooled resources, shared intelligence, and coordinated tactics to apprehend individuals who might otherwise slip through jurisdictional gaps. As communities continue to face challenges related to violent crime, these collaborative partnerships remain essential tools for maintaining public safety and ensuring that those who violate the law are held accountable for their actions.
