Police Department

SPD arrests repeat offender; recovers stolen bikes and cars

Monique Cotton, Police Communications Director, 509.363.8285

Monday, December 30, 2013 at 2 p.m.

Incident #: 13-429135; 13-421548

Spokane Police recover 16 stolen bikes, two stolen vehicles and arreste Repeat Offender and 29-time convicted felon, Chris Cannata. Cannata, who has an extensive criminal history, is believed to be responsible for the burglary of 21 bikes at a Spokane County bike shop on 12/24 and the possession of two stolen vehicles. This arrest and the recovery of stolen property demonstrates SPD's commitment to quick response, diligent investigation and relentless follow-up in an effort to reduce crime in the City of Spokane.

On December 27th Spokane Police Patrol Anti-Crime Team (PACT) officers, led by Sgt. Kurt Vigessa, observed a vehicle identified as being involved in a burglary of 21 bicycles at the North Division Bike Shop on 12/24 in Spokane County. Officers stopped the vehicle and confirmed it was stolen. The two individuals in possession of the stolen vehicle were interviewed and officers developed information that the person who gave them the vehicle and who was possibly responsible for the burglary of the bike shop was Repeat Offender (ROP) Chris Cannata. Cannata has an extensive criminal history including 29 felony convictions on charges such as Burglary, Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Escape, etc.

While investigating the stolen vehicle and developing information on the bike shop burglary, officers spotted another stolen vehicle (a Chevy Avalanche) that had been stolen earlier that day. The driver of the Avalanche saw officers and fled. Officers located the Avalanche, abandoned near 900 W. Everett. Christopher Cannata was also located and detained nearby.

The Avalanche had stolen property inside, determined to be from a burglary in the 2600 block of W. Garland that occurred on 12/27. Through extensive follow-up, officers located 16 stolen bicycles from the North Division Bike Shop, still in their boxes at a residence in the 6100 block of N. Wall.

Officers arrested Chris Cannata on two counts of Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle with additional charges likely forthcoming. Cannata was booked into the Spokane County Jail and is being held on a $100,000 bond. He will have his first court appearance today at 1:30 p.m.

Spokane Police have Probable Cause to arrest 3 other people for Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle and Probable Cause to arrest one other subject for Possession of Stolen Property related to the North Division Bike Shop Burglary.

Spokane Police will work with the Spokane County Sheriff's Office to continue the investigation into the bike shop burglary and pursue additional charges for the suspects in this case. Additionally, SPD will investigate the possible involvement of the suspects in other burglary cases.

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