Suspect Arrested for Hit & Run after Colliding with Mailboxes/Telephone Pole and Fleeing the Scene
Spokane Valley Deputies arrested the driver of a vehicle who fled the scene of a collision after he struck a bank of mailboxes and a telephone pole. A witness reported the incident and provided the suspect information.
On February 25, 2019, at approximately 5:30 p.m., a caller reported witnessing an older maroon Lincoln hit a bunch of mailboxes near the 12700 block of E. Valleyway in Spokane Valley. The witness stated the driver exited his car and looked at the damage before he got back in and fled east on Valleyway.
Deputy Carrillo, following-up on an investigation near the intersection of Valleyway and McDonald, heard the call and observed what appeared to be the suspect vehicle drive by. He broadcast the information via his radio.
Deputy Vicini located the vehicle and conducted a traffic stop on Valleyway near Evergreen. The vehicle had damage consistent with striking a telephone pole and mailboxes.
After being advised of his rights, the driver, identified as 40-year-old John R. Cravens, stated he hit a patch of ice and lost control of the vehicle. It swerved to the right, went off the roadway, striking multiple mailboxes and a telephone pole. Cravens exited the car and surveyed the damage. Afraid, he got back in the car and fled the scene because his driver’s license is suspended.
A witness contacted the Deputies at the scene of the traffic stop and confirmed they had the correct vehicle stopped and Cravens was the driver.
A computer check of Cravens name confirmed his driver’s license status as suspended. In fact, he was issued a criminal citation for driving while suspended in the same vehicle, a week prior.
Cravens was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Hit & Run Unattended Property and Driving While Suspended 3rd Degree.
Deputies contacted one of the owners of the bank of mailboxes. The telephone pole was not damaged.
The vehicle driven by Cravens was released to the passenger who was a licensed driver.
Corporal Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer