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Suspects in downtown SWAT standoff identified, considered armed and dangerous

The SWAT standoff stemmed from an apparent armed robbery that happened at about 9:15 on Thursday morning.

SPOKANE, Wash. — Several buildings in downtown Spokane were on lockdown as police and hostage negotiators were in a standoff with two armed robbery suspects.

Police responded to a report of an armed robbery in downtown Spokane on Thursday morning. The two suspects were in a room at the Catholic Charities apartments. Police and the SWAT team eventually made entry into the apartment, but the suspects were not there.

At this time, the suspects have been identified as 28-year-old John R. Gardner and 28-year-old Mary C. Spencer. Gardner is described as 5'6'' and 152 pounds with black hair and brown eyes. Spencer is described as 5'7'' and 168 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Both suspects are considered armed and dangerous.

KREM 2 requested the criminal history of Gardner and Spencer.

The Washington Department of Corrections said Gardner has served prison time. 13 months for assault charges and one month in county confinement for a drug possession charge. He was released from custody in August 2015.

Spokane County court records show Gardner has also been charged with assault, traffic violations, and driving without a license since his release from prison. But most of those charges were dismissed because court documents say the county prosecutor didn't have enough evidence.

DOC records show Mary Spencer has not served time in prison. But, Spokane county records say she was charged with taking a vehicle without permission in 2013.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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