Suspect Apprehended in Newman Lake Drive-By Shooting, Faces Multiple Charges

In Newman Lake, Washington, authorities from the Spokane County Sheriff's Office (SCSO) announced the arrest of a suspect linked to a drive-by shooting incident on August 2. Responding to reports, deputies arrived around 9:30 p.m. at a residence on North McCoy Road. They found several individuals at the scene but confirmed that no injuries had occurred, according to an official statement. During the investigation, law enforcement officials identified 32-year-old Robert D. Utecht as the primary suspect. It was noted that Utecht was subject to a valid protection order that barred him from being within 1,000 feet of the victim's property. With assistance from deputies from Spokane Valley, Liberty Lake Police, and K9 units, authorities established a perimeter around Utecht’s residence in Liberty Lake. After multiple announcements, Utecht surrendered peacefully at approximately 11:55 p.m. and was taken into custody. He was subsequently booked into jail on five counts of First-Degree Assault, Drive-By Shooting, and two counts of Violation of a Protection Order with Assault. Previously, in April 2024, Utecht was identified as a suspect in an altercation at the same address, during wh...