Man locks himself in car, stops traffic on I-90

FOUR LAKES – Damian C. Eiffert, 38, who barricaded himself in a car with a gun, prompting the closure of Interstate 90 on the morning of Oct. 23, is also the suspect in a fatal stabbing that occurred the previous day in East Central Spokane.

Eiffert was charged with second-degree murder. Bail of $2 million was set by Spokane County Superior Court on Oct. 24.

Authorities shut down both directions of the freeway near the Four Lakes interchange after receiving reports of a man armed with a gun inside a stolen vehicle parked on the roadside, records show. Eiffert, refusing to exit the vehicle, was spotted in the westbound lane around 7:50 a.m. in a broken-down car.

Spokane police later confirmed Eiffert was the primary suspect in the stabbing death at a residence near First Avenue and Thor Street on Oct, 22. The victim, reportedly his parent, was found deceased, with Eiffert identified as the prime suspect.

As officers from multiple agencies, including the Washington State Patrol and Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, responded to the scene, Eiffert remained uncooperative.

He allegedly made threatening remarks, claiming that someone from law enforcement would die, records show. Officers observed him moving in and out of the vehicle, holding various objects and reaching for his waistband, heightening safety concerns.

Due to the threat and low dense fog, I-90 was closed in both directions, and crisis negotiators attempted to convince Eiffert to surrender peacefully. Despite their efforts, he fled on foot just after 9 a.m. but was quickly apprehended a short distance away.

Eiffert was arrested and charged with second-degree murder in connection with the stabbing. The Spokane County Medical Examiner’s Office will release the victim’s identity and cause of death pending further investigation.