Last night, a westbound Spokane Valley Deputy, while attempting to assist a Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Deputy with an occupied stolen vehicle on the eastbound side of I-90, was involved in a crash and received minor injuries. The male driver of the stolen vehicle fled on foot and was not located.
On June 19, 2019, at approximately 6:40 p.m., a Spokane County Deputy observed a vehicle, a white BMW, driving erratically near 5th and Freya. As the driver continued his reckless behavior, the Deputy checked the license plate of the vehicle and learned it was reported stolen on June 14, 2019.
As the BMW entered eastbound I-90, weaving in and out of traffic, the Deputy activated her emergency lights and siren, advising she was in pursuit of the stolen vehicle. Seconds later, the pursuit was terminated as the BMW side-swiped the center barrier and crashed. The male driver jumped out of the vehicle and fled north, across the westbound lanes of travel. Two adult females remained in the vehicle.
A westbound Spokane Valley Deputy, who was arriving in the area to assist, was involved in a crash.
Washington State Patrol, Spokane Police and additional Deputies responded. A perimeter was established, but a search for the fleeing driver was unsuccessful.
The two passengers of the stolen vehicle stated they didn’t know the male driver or that the car was stolen. They explained the driver pulled up next to them while they were walking to the store and they accepted his offer for a ride. Later, they were released without charges.
Washington State Patrol is investigating the two crashes, and we continue to investigate the stolen vehicle incident.
The Spokane Valley Deputy was transported to a hospital to be evaluated. He was released later in the evening with minor injuries.
Anyone with information regarding this incident or can help identify the driver who fled is asked to call Crime Check at 509-456-2233, reference #10083833.
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Corporal Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer