SPOKANE – Chaos erupted on Memorial Day as a stolen van careened into another vehicle, leaving a trail of injuries in its wake. The reckless teenage driver, accompanied by three passengers, collided with a Kia Soul at a breakneck speed of approximately 50 mph on a residential street with a posted speed limit of 25 mph. Witnesses described the driver as a 17-year-old white male with long brown hair and a beard, clad in Chuck Taylor shoes and a black T-shirt adorned with doberman pinchers.
Following the collision, the juvenile suspect fled the scene on foot, evading accountability and leaving behind a scene of confusion and distress. Law enforcement swiftly responded, establishing a perimeter and launching a comprehensive search for the perpetrator. With the aid of a UAS (Unmanned Aerial System) and a K9 Unit, deputies scoured the area, issuing repeated warnings for the suspect to surrender.
After an intense pursuit, the suspect was located hiding in the backyard of a residence, cowering near a pile of firewood. Sensing the imminent capture, deputies issued one final warning, cautioning the suspect of the consequences should he resist arrest. Wisely, the juvenile suspect complied with commands and was taken into custody without further incident.
Due to Washington State law, deputies did not question the juvenile. A check of his name showed that he is a two-time convicted felon (second-degree robbery and second-degree assault) and that he did not have a valid driver’s license.
Furthermore, the van had been reported stolen by its owner, who had explicitly prohibited the suspect from operating the vehicle. Despite the owner’s efforts to prevent unauthorized use, the van had become a tool for reckless endangerment and criminal activity.
The aftermath of the collision left multiple individuals injured, including the driver of the Kia, who sustained minor injuries. Meanwhile, the three juvenile passengers in the stolen van, though transported to the hospital for additional care, remained uncooperative and refused to provide statements.
In light of the severity of the incident, the juvenile suspect was transported and booked into the Spokane County Detention Center on charges of vehicular assault, vehicle hit-and-run, and theft of a motor vehicle. As the investigation unfolds, authorities remain vigilant, with the possibility of additional charges looming on the horizon.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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