SPOKANE VALLEY - On July 31, 2023, at approximately 10:20 am, a Spokane Valley motorcycle deputy was conducting traffic enforcement on Appleway Ave. near Park Road.
The deputy observed a multi-colored Chrysler sedan that appeared to be speeding.
His laser speed measuring device showed the vehicle was going 51-mph in a 35-mph zone.
As the vehicle drove past, he clearly could see the male driver. He caught up to and pulled his fully marked patrol motorcycle behind the Chrysler, which slowed down to approximately 40 mph according to reports.
The deputy activated his emergency lights, and the driver, identified as 38-year-old Donald B. Pederson, fled.
With his window down, Pederson moved across all travel lanes as the deputy activated his siren.
Reports show Pederson turned south on Dishman Mica and continued accelerating.
Still behind the Chrysler as he waited to confirm the license plate return, the deputy continued his attempt to get Pederson to stop.
Near 16th Avenue, Pederson increased to approximately 65-mph and began driving aggressively and weaving in and out of traffic. The deputy disengaged as required by law records show.
During that time a dispatcher advised deputies that the driver lived in the 10800 block of E. 26th Avenue.
An assisting deputy saw the Chrysler pull into the driveway of the residence on 26th Avenue, where Pederson exited the vehicle.
The Deputy pulled up and told Pederson he was under arrest and to stop, but Pederson walked into the garage and closed the door according to the report.
With additional Deputies arriving, a perimeter was established around the residence while the process of obtaining a search warrant began.
Pederson came to a window of the home and began talking with deputies before he finally exited and was peacefully taken into custody.
As he was being handcuffed, Pederson said he was running because he thought law enforcement could not chase people and that he didn’t want another ticket.
Pederson was advised of his rights, and he apologized to the deputies for his actions, and also admitted he knew the deputy was there once he saw the emergency lights and heard the siren.
Pederson explained he wanted to get home to his young son and didn’t want to risk not being able to call someone to take care of him. Records show Pederson said he thought deputies would just knock on the door and go away if he didn’t answer.
Pederson was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Vehicle, Resisting Arrest, and Driving While Suspended. He was also issued notice of infractions (tickets) for Speeding: 51 mph in a posted 35 mph zone, driving without Insurance, and Modified/Defective Exhaust.
Pederson’s son was released to a family member per his request.
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