K9 Khan and Deputies Apprehend Suspect Hiding in a Trunk
Spokane Valley Deputies conducted a traffic stop of a vehicle and discovered a male hiding in the trunk. He was identified as the driver’s husband and was violating a Domestic Violence Order of Protection. Continued attempts to get him to surrender and follow commands were unsuccessful. Deputies eventually took him into custody with the assistance of Deputy Kullman and K9 Khan.
On July 1, 2019, at approximately 2:30 a.m., Spokane Valley Deputy Thomas Walton observed no front or rear license plates on a red sedan and conducted a traffic stop in the 12700 block of E. Broadway.
He contacted the adult female driver who was crying and visibly shaking. She explained that she was upset because she had been arguing with her friends.
A check of the driver’s name revealed her driving privileges were suspended in Washington and that she was the protected party named in a domestic violence restraining order against her husband, 27-year-old Harley L. Shaw.
Through the subsequent contact and investigation, Deputy Walton learned Shaw was hiding in the trunk and that he had crawled through the back seat when he noticed the patrol car.
A check of Shaw’s name revealed he had two valid misdemeanor warrants for his arrest (Assault 4th Degree and Violation of a Domestic Violence Restraining Order).
Additional Deputies arrived at the scene to assist including Deputy Kullman and his partner K9 Khan. Multiple commands for Shaw to exit the trunk and peacefully surrender went unanswered. Additional commands including warnings a K9 would be used if he did not surrender were given but Shaw did not comply or respond.
After approximately 45 minutes of trying to deescalate the incident with verbal commands and warnings, Deputies attempted to open the trunk several times, but Shaw appeared to be holding it closed. Eventually, the trunk was opened but Shaw remained defiant, not following or responding to commands. With the trunk full of clothes and bags, Deputies could not see Shaw’s hands and did not know if he was armed.
Shaw did not move and continued to ignore commands even with K9 Khan loudly announcing his presence. K9 Khan was deployed and made contact with Shaw. Soon after, Deputies took Shaw into custody without further incident.
Shaw was provided medical attention prior to being transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for new charges of felony Violation of a Protection Order, Assault 4th Degree (DV), Resisting Arrest and Obstructing in addition to his warrants for Violation of a Protection Order and Assault 4thDegree (DV).
After Deputies learned the driver was a victim of a domestic violence assault and order violation, she was released at the scene without being charged.
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Corporal Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer