Suspect Violently Assaults Deputies & Resists Arrest
Multiple Deputies/K9 Khan Assist – 4 Deputies Injured During Violent Encounter
Spokane Valley Deputies, attempting to arrest a suspect after a short pursuit, were violently assaulted by the suspect who resisted arrest. Eventually they were able to get the suspect under control with the assistance of additional Deputies and K9 Khan. Four Deputies were treated for injuries and released.
On January 22, 2019, just prior to 10:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Deputy Andrew Richmond observed a dark colored Lincoln Town car traveling south of N. Vista Road. Part of the vehicles license plate was obstructed by a large bike rack and the tab showed expired in 2017.
Deputy Richmond activated the emergency lights of his fully marked patrol car to initiate a traffic stop. Instead of pulling over, the driver of the vehicle, later identified as 35-year-old Branden T. Field, attempted to accelerate spinning his tire in the fresh snow, causing the engine to rev. Deputy Richmond activated his siren but Field continued his attempt to flee, drifting back and forth as he accelerated. Field continued his reckless and unsafe behavior, losing control of his vehicle before turning into a private drive in the 700 block of N. Vista.
Deputy Richmond contacted Field and conducted a check of Field’s name via his radio. He was informed Field was a convicted felon (Assault 1st Degree, Possession of a Controlled Substance, Malicious Mischief 2nd Degree) and Field’s driver’s license was suspended. During this time, Deputy Richmond observed what appeared to be a small caliber, silver colored pistol sitting inside the ashtray of the vehicle.
Deputy Richmond unholstered his sidearm, gave Field commands to show his hands, not to reach for the weapon and requested immediate backup.
Deputy Turner was the first to arrive at the scene to assist. Field refused to exit the vehicle and follow commands after he was told he was under arrest. Field reached back in the direction of the firearm ignoring the Deputies’ continued commands. The Deputies, wanting to stop Field from possibly accessing the handgun, grabbed Field’s arm and pulled him from the vehicle. Field pulled away, stood up and began assaulting the Deputies, striking them with a closed fist.
The Deputies requested emergency assistance over the radio and minutes later an emergency button on a radio was activated, indicating a need for emergency assistance.
As the violent physical fight continued for several minutes, additional Deputies arrived to assist including Deputy Kullman with his partner K9 Khan. Eventually, with the aid of K9 Khan, Deputies gained enough control of Field to place him in handcuffs.
After being medically cleared, Field was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Assault 3rd Degree (4 counts), Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle, Resisting Arrest and Driving While Suspended 3rd Degree.
Four Deputies received treatment for injuries ranging from cuts/abrasions and swelling from being assaulted to a possible broken/fractured hand. All are expected to make full recoveries.
The vehicle driven by Field was impounded and Spokane Valley Investigative Unit Detectives will be requesting a search warrant to recover what appears to be a handgun as well as any other evidence inside the vehicle.
As this investigation continues, additional charges are possible.
Deputy Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer