”
Suspected Burglar Captured After He Attempts to Flee
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and Spokane Valley Deputies captured 36-year-old Justin D. Lanphere early this morning after a vehicle pursuit. Lanphere, suspected of stealing a firearm during a burglary last week in Spokane Valley, has been trying to avoid capture since that time.Â
Early this morning at approximately 2:05 a.m., Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy Scott Kenoyer observed a Maroon Ford P/U drive from the footpath portion of the Centennial Trail at the Maringo Trail Head (9800 E. Maringo). Deputy Kenoyer activated his emergency lights and siren in an attempt to stop the vehicle and contact the driver, later identified as Lanphere.
Instead of stopping, Lanphere made the decision to flee. Deputy Kenoyer, in a fully marked vehicle, requested assistance and advised he was in pursuit.
Lanphere appeared to have little or complete disregard for his safety or the safety of others as he failed to stop at stop signs, traffic lights, and at times, reach speeds approaching 85 mph as he tried to evade capture. With little vehicle or pedestrian traffic out at this time of the morning, Deputy Kenoyer continued the pursuit with additional Spokane County and Spokane Valley Deputies responding to assist.
In the area of the 17700 block of East Wellesley, the truck left the roadway went through a barbed wire fence and into a field. Lanphere lost control of the vehicle in the field and spun around. With Lanphere’s vehicle now facing deputies, they moved into position to block Lanphere and avoid a possible escape attempt.
Lanphere followed commands and was taken into custody without further incident. He was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Attempting to Elude a Pursuing Police Vehicle and Malicious Mischief 3rd Degree for this morning’s incident. He was also booked for Residential Burglary and Theft of a Firearm stemming from the burglary reported on June 13, 2017 in Spokane Valley.
The vehicle Lanphere was driving was seized as evidence. Spokane Valley Property Crimes Unit Detectives, who have been working this case, will search the vehicle for the firearm and other property/evidence once a search warrant has been obtained.
Detectives suspect Lanphere was involved in another burglary they are investigating and additional charges could be filed as these investigations continue.
Deputy Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer
Spokane News posted this incident as it was happening and that post can be found HERE“