Wanted Felon Hides, K9 Bane Seeks
A wanted suspect’s attempt to run and hide was ultimately unsuccessful after K9 Bane located him hiding in the back yard of a nearby residence.
On June 18, 2018 at approximately 4:40 p.m., Spokane Valley Deputy Clay Hilton observed a male walking down the side of the road near 2nd and Dearborn in Spokane Valley.
Deputy Hilton recognized the male as 26-year-old Ronald A. Weiker, who Deputy Hilton believed had a felony Washington State Department of Corrections warrant (original charge: Harassment, Threats to Kill) for his arrest. When Deputy Hilton turned his patrol vehicle around to make contact, Weiker took off running north on Dearborn and went into the back yard of a residence in the 4500 block of E. 2nd Ave. where he’s been known to sleep.
Weiker’s name was checked through dispatch and the felony warrant for Weiker’s arrest was confirmed. Additional Deputies arrived to set a perimeter and assist with the search.
Deputy Hilton contacted the residents of the home and explained he witnessed Weiker run into their back yard and asked for consent to search. They gave consent and said no one should be in their yard.
Several loud K9 announcements were given, advising Weiker to surrender and if he didn’t, a K9 would be used to find him and he could be bitten. Weiker remained defiant, ignored the commands and failed to surrender.
Deputy Hilton released his partner, K9 Bane, who began searching the yard. K9 Bane’s behavior changed as he approached several stacks of tires near a makeshift plywood wall. Deputy Hilton gave another K9 announcement, which also went unanswered, as K9 Bane continued to search. Suddenly, K9 Bane jumped up on top of the stack of tires and disappeared on the other side, making contact with Weiker.
Now compliant, Weiker followed commands and was taken into custody without further incident. He was provided medical attention before being transported to the Spokane County Jail where he was booked for the felony warrant and a new charge of resisting arrest.
After Weiker was in custody, the homeowners were re-contacted. One stated she witnessed the arrest, clearly heard the K9 announcements inside her closed residence and was perplexed as to why Weiker didn’t just surrender.
Later, Weiker stated he initially ran because he knew he had a warrant for his arrest and didn’t hear the K9 announcements. He did see K9 Bane through the cracks of the tires but “thought” if he didn’t move, he could hide.
Deputy Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer