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On Saturday November 14th, 2015 Spokane Valley Sheriff’s Deputy Todd Miller arrested 24-year-old Louie J. Stromberg Jr. after a short vehicle pursuit and foot chase. Stromberg boasted he was 8 for 10 when he has fled in the past, so he thought it was worth a chance this time. Stromberg was booked for Eluding, DUI, Drive While Suspended 3rd Degree, Failure to have an Interlock Device, Hit and Run and Resisting Arrest.
The incident began at approximately 12:35 a.m., when Deputy Miller observed a black Ford Mustang driving south on University near 4th Avenue in Spokane Valley. He estimated the vehicle’s speed at 50mph in a posted 35mph zone and confirmed with radar the vehicle’s speed was 49mph. Once behind the Mustang, Deputy Miller observed it drift from side to side and almost strike the curb.
Deputy Miller activated his lights to stop the vehicle and contact the driver, Stromberg. Stromberg slowed, activated his turn signal and turned east on 6th. Stromberg almost stopped but suddenly accelerated rapidly down the dead-end street. Once at the dead-end, Stromberg slammed on the brakes, but was unable to stop before the dead-end. He left the roadway, narrowly missed a tree, and went through a wooden fence before stopping in the backyard of a residence.
Stromberg jumped out of the vehicle and started to run on foot. Deputy Miller identified himself and told Stromberg to stop and he was under arrest, but Stromberg continued to flee. Stromberg began reaching toward his waistband as he ran. Unsure if Stromberg had a weapon, Deputy Miller drew his weapon as he told Stromberg to stop and show his hands. Stromberg yelled “shoot me†as he willfully failed to follow commands as he ran.
Deputy Miller found Stromberg hiding behind a shed and, with the assistance of additional deputies, Stromberg was taken into custody without further incident. Stromberg said he didn’t have any weapons and was holding his sweatpants up while he ran. A bag containing Marijuana was located in sweatpants’ pocket and a strong odor of an alcoholic beverage emitted from his breath.
Stromberg complained of an injured knee and was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. A sample of Stromberg’s blood was taken for testing after a search warrant was granted.
Once medically cleared at the hospital, Stromberg was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for the above listed charges.
Deputy Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Public Information Officer
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