Man arrested for stealing 30 pieces of mail
SPOKANE VALLEY – In the early hours of April 10, 2024, a Spokane Valley Deputy noticed a figure dressed entirely in black, zipping through parking lots and streets on an electric scooter without a proper headlamp. What began as a routine attempt to address a safety concern quickly escalated into a chase and apprehension.
Spotting the individual, later identified as 29-year-old Bradley J. Luiten, in the 9300 block of E. Montgomery, the Deputy activated his emergency lights to signal a stop. Despite the presence of the marked patrol car, Luiten pressed on, glancing back as red and blue lights flashed behind him.
It wasn’t until the 9500 block of Montgomery that Luiten finally halted his ride. As the Deputy approached, Luiten’s response was a baffled “What?”
He was promptly informed of his detention and instructed to dismount the scooter. However, in a desperate bid for freedom, Luiten took off again, this time heading eastbound with the Deputy in pursuit.
The chase led them north on Farr Road, where Luiten’s escape attempt reached its end at a dead end. Losing control of the scooter, he tumbled to the ground, scattering several pieces of mail in the process.
Moving swiftly, the Deputy closed in on Luiten, who made the claim: “I have a gun. I have a gun. It’s a BB gun.”
With backup on the scene, Luiten was swiftly apprehended, and a realistic-looking BB gun and holster were recovered from his waistband.
Despite declining medical attention, Luiten was forthcoming about his actions. He admitted to prior convictions for mail theft and confessed to pilfering the mail found in his possession, claiming he “scored” the loot. A subsequent search uncovered approximately 30 pieces of mail from at least four addresses, all of which were returned to their rightful owners.
Luiten’s criminal history was extensive, with multiple felony convictions including mail theft, retail theft, identity theft, and vehicle prowling 2nd degree. Following his arrest, he was transported and booked into Spokane County Jail on charges of mail theft and obstructing law enforcement.
Appearing in court for his initial hearing, Luiten faced Spokane County Superior Commissioner E. Cruz, who set his bond at $1,000.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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