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Deputies Recover Stolen Vehicle and Find Fleeing Felon
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On September 21st, 2015, Spokane Valley Sheriff’s Deputy Jeff Thurman located and began investigating a stolen vehicle in the area of the 900 block of North Vista in Spokane Valley. During the investigation, 47-year-old Gary Olive fled on foot and was later captured after being located by Deputy Kullman and K9 Deacon. Olive was arrested for a Department of Corrections (DOC) Escape Community Custody warrant. Deputies also contacted and arrested 26-year-old Ashley E. Banks, for Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle and a misdemeanor warrant.
The incident began around 10:00 p.m., when Deputy Thurman located a stolen vehicle parked in the driveway of a residence and requested additional patrol units to assist.
While surveilling the stolen vehicle, Deputy Richmond observed a white Jeep fail to use a turn signal as it turned into the driveway where the stolen vehicle was parked. The Jeep quickly backed out of the driveway and took off at a high rate of speed. When Deputy Richmond stopped the vehicle near Alki and Dick, the passenger jumped out of the vehicle and fled on foot. The driver of the vehicle said he only knew the passenger by his nickname and believed the passenger ran because he might have a warrant for his arrest. Deputy Richmond broadcast a description of the fleeing male and released the driver after checking his name and driving status.
A short time later, Deputy Thurman, who remained at the residence, observed a male, fitting the description Deputy Richmond broadcast, running from the area of Deputy Richmond’s traffic stop back toward the residence where the stolen vehicle was parked.
Deputies began contacting several persons inside the detached garage of the residence and heard movement in attic crawl space. Deputies, believing Olive was hiding in the attic, gave several announcements K9 Deacon would be used, stated Olive was under arrest and he needed to give himself up. Olive did not respond and a search of the attic began after written consent to search was obtained. Part of the attic was searched and deputies located a piece of a partition into the other side of the attic appeared to have been moved. Deputies believed Olive crawled through the partition but they could not locate the owner of this portion of the attic to obtain consent. They applied for, and were granted, a search warrant for this area. After several additional K9 announcements, K9 Deacon entered the attic and made contact with Olive who was still attempting to hide. Olive was taken into custody for the valid DOC warrant and provided medical attention. Olive told deputies he heard the announcements but didn’t give himself up because he didn’t want to go to jail. He admitted he should have given up much earlier.
With Olive in custody, the deputies started contacting the individuals inside the residence. With everyone now outside, Deputy Thurman, Deputy Kullman and additional deputies began clearing the residence. Banks was located hiding inside a dryer and was quickly detained. Banks’ name was checked with dispatch and deputies were informed she had a confirmed misdemeanor warrant for her arrest.
After being advised of her rights, Banks told Deputy Watts she received the stolen vehicle from a friend. She did not think the vehicle was stolen at first, but began to suspect it might be. She said she contacted the registered owner via Facebook and explained she would return the vehicle immediately but she hadn’t because she couldn’t find a licensed driver. Banks was informed she was being charged with Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle in addition to her warrant. Deputy Watts located the keys for the stolen vehicle in Banks’ jacket pocket during a search. She also asked Deputy Watts to get her clothing items out of the back of the stolen vehicle before it was released to the owner.
Olive and Banks were transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for the charges noted above.
The vehicle was returned to the registered owner.
Deputy Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Public Information Officer
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