Vehicle recovered following Flock ALPR alert
SPOKANE VALLEY – Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies sprang into action on April 9, following an alert from Flock ALPR regarding a stolen vehicle reported missing the day prior. In the early hours of the morning, a Deputy spotted the reported stolen vehicle on E. Upriver Drive. Attempting to halt its progress, the Deputy activated emergency lights and siren as the vehicle approached N. Argonne Road.
However, the suspect, later identified as 20-year-old James O. Dawson, disregarded the signals and accelerated, setting off a pursuit.
Dawson sped through a red light at the intersection, veering south onto Argonne at a dangerously high speed. As per Washington State law, which restricts pursuits, the Deputy opted to cease the chase near East Maringo Drive.
Efforts to deploy spike strips at Argonne and Trent proved futile, with the stolen vehicle ultimately vanishing into the night, last seen heading west on East Montgomery Avenue.
Minutes later, a Spokane Valley Deputy stumbled upon the abandoned vehicle in the parking lot of Motel 6, located at 1919 North Hutchinson. A witness revealed that Dawson had fled the scene, soliciting a ride before disappearing toward the motel.
Through meticulous investigation, aided by cooperative motel staff, Deputies pieced together Dawson’s movements. Clad in a bright yellow shirt and dark pants, Dawson allegedly convinced a motel guest to part with their dark gray sweatshirt, potentially altering his appearance.
Subsequent surveillance at the Maverick gas station on 9009 East Montgomery revealed a figure matching Dawson’s description, sporting a gray sweatshirt over a bright yellow shirt. Upon contact, Deputies confirmed his identity and apprehended him without incident.
After being apprised of his rights, Dawson cooperated, requesting access to his phone locked in the car, which he later unlocked to verify ownership.
The stolen vehicle was returned to its rightful owner as Dawson was transported and booked into Spokane County Jail on charges of attempting to elude law enforcement, theft of a motor vehicle, and a Washington State Department of Corrections felony warrant hold.
Following a preliminary hearing, Spokane County Superior Commissioner E. Cruz set bond for the new charges (excluding the DOC hold) at $10,000.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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