Suspect discards gun near school
CHENEY – A motorist is facing multiple charges following an April 4 pursuit and disposal of a firearm at a school.
Jakob D. Petitto, 30, was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail on cahrges of attempting to elude, second-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, two counts of possession of a controlled substance, driving with a suspended license and being a fugitive from justice related to the out-of-state warrant.
Petitto has five previous felony convictions and is prohibited from possessing a firearm, records show.
His arrest came after a pursuit by law enforcement and his attempt to dispose of an illegally possessed firearm near an elementary school, records show.
The incident began around 8:53 pm when officer Ian Sauve observed a vehicle violating both traffic laws and equipment regulations, records show. Despite Sauve’s efforts to pull over the vehicle, the driver — later identified as Petitto — ignored commands and proceeded through a stop sign.
Sauve disengaged pursuit and alerted additional officers.
Near Betz Elementary, Sauve encountered the same vehicle again and attempted another stop, records show. The vehicle hit a curb and became disabled; Petitto fled on foot.
Sauve pursued, records show. Petitto eventually obeyed commands to stop and was arrested.
A subsequent search of Petitto revealed a bag containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, records show. Dispatch uncovered an outstanding felony warrant for Petitto from the Idaho Department of Corrections.
Petitto was then taken into custody and booked into Spokane County Jail.
The following day, Cheney police responded to a “found property” call at Betz Elementary, where a teacher discovered a black semi-automatic pistol and loaded magazine near a garbage can, records show. Security footage confirmed that Petitto had discarded the firearm while fleeing on foot.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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