Spokane Police Arrest Suspect in West Central Shooting
A 19-year-old man faces assault charges after a dispute allegedly led to a shooting in West Central Spokane.
Updated on Oct. 15, 2026 in Violence
Police arrested 19-year-old Cody P. Forrest following a drive-by shooting that left a 47-year-old man injured. The victim, Benjamin Goldsmith, was treated for a gunshot wound to his foot.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the dangers of escalated roadside confrontations, as the shooting reportedly stemmed from a dispute involving the use of bear spray on a vehicle.
Cody P. Forrest is currently held in the Spokane County Jail on a $15,000 bond following charges of first-degree assault and drive-by shooting. His arraignment is scheduled for next Tuesday.
The players
Cody P. Forrest
He is the 19-year-old suspect charged with first-degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm.
Benjamin Goldsmith
He is the 47-year-old victim who was treated at MultiCare Deaconess Hospital for a gunshot wound.
Alexys Franks
She is the owner of a vehicle involved in the dispute that reportedly preceded the shooting.
The details
Surveillance footage captured a gray Chevrolet Impala cutting off another vehicle, leading to an argument that resulted in gunfire. Police recovered a 9 mm pistol from the Impala and found a matching shell casing at the Oak Street scene.
Timeline
10:30 AM on October 13, 2026: The vehicle confrontation was recorded on Oak Street.
October 13, 2026: The shooting incident occurred in West Central Spokane.
October 14, 2026: Cody P. Forrest made his first court appearance.
October 20, 2026: The court scheduled an arraignment for the suspect.
Legal Context
This case aligns with the 2024 Spokane municipal crime statistics for aggravated assault, which frequently involve escalated personal conflicts. Local law enforcement continues to utilize surveillance data to identify and prosecute suspects in such public violence cases.
The shooting occurred in a high-traffic area of West Central Spokane, prompting increased scrutiny of local surveillance and public safety measures. Residents are advised to report suspicious roadside behavior to the authorities to prevent further escalations.
The takeaway
Disputes on the road can escalate rapidly into dangerous situations involving lethal force. Authorities remind the public to prioritize de-escalation and contact law enforcement rather than confronting other drivers directly.
What happens next
Cody P. Forrest is scheduled for an arraignment on October 20, 2026.
Further reading
For more information on local safety, read the latest reports on Violence.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spokesman Review.
