Suspect’s Attempt to Elude Deputy Hilton and K9 Bane Unsuccessful

Suspect’s Attempt to Elude Deputy Hilton and K9 Bane Unsuccessful

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Clay Hilton, along with his K9 partner Bane, located a suspect, 37-year-old Shane S. Rupert, after he attempted to flee in a vehicle and on foot.  K9 Bane located Rupert hiding in a field where he violently resisted their efforts to take him into custody.  Rupert was booked for Attempting to Elude, Resisting Arrest, Driving While Suspended, and three outstanding warrants for his arrest.

On August 13, 2019, at approximately 8:50 p.m., Deputy Hilton observed a maroon Pontiac leave a parking lot near Boone and Pines.  The driver, later identified as Rupert, accelerated to a high rate of speed as Deputy Hilton turned around to initiate a traffic stop.  

Rupert failed to pull over and accelerated while making several turns in a blatant attempt to elude Deputy Hilton.  Near N. Glenn and E. Alki, Deputy Hilton briefly lost sight of the Pontiac.  When he approached E. Olive, a citizen pointed westbound and yelled the vehicle went into a field. 

Deputy Hilton located Rupert’s vehicle, unoccupied and still running.  He immediately requested arriving patrol units to set up a perimeter as they began flooding into the area.  Multiple PA announces were given advising Rupert to surrender, a K9 would be used to track him, and that he may be bitten if he did not.

Rupert ignored the multiple announcements and chose to try and hide.  With additional Deputies arriving to assist in the search, Deputy Hilton deployed his partner K9 Bane and began a track.  K9 Bane immediately placed his nose to the ground and led Deputies to the west.  After traversing a fence, tall weeds, and thick brush, K9 Bane turned south toward a large area of thick brush, trees, and a dilapidated shed.  As they approached what appeared to be an easy place to try and hide, Deputy Hilton gave another announcement. 

Without a response, they continued the track where K9 Bane showed a change in behavior.  K9 Bane moved behind an overturned truck canopy and made contact with Rupert who was able to stand up despite being in Bane’s grasp.  Rupert, with a red bandana over his face, began physically fighting with K9 Bane.  Deputies, not knowing if he was armed, used force, including strikes, to safely subdue him.                      

Rupert was found to have three valid misdemeanor warrants for his arrest (DWLS 3^rd, Reckless Driving, Making False Statements, and Resisting Arrest).  Additionally, his Washington State driving privileges were found to be suspended. 

Rupert was provided medical attention prior to being booked into jail.  After being advised of his rights, Rupert said he ran because he “just did something stupid” and he thought he could escape. 

Rupert was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for new charges of Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle, Resisting Arrest and Driving While Suspended 3^rd Degree in addition to his warrants. 

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Corporal Mark Gregory

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office

Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer