Police Department

SPD Arrests Man for Trafficking Stolen Property

Ofc. Teresa Fuller

Monday, April 11, 2016 at 11:20 a.m.

Spokane Police arrested Nathaniel Zielinski (33), of Spokane, on Trafficking Stolen Property, Possession of a Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine, and Resisting Arrest after a foot pursuit where he attempted to flee by entering into the Spokane River. The victim used Facebook to identify the male and used a ruse to contact him. When Spokane Police Officers arrived, he fled on foot but was taken into custody a short distance away.

On 3/25/16 a woman was at a local coffee shop and inadvertently left her backpack behind.  Zielinski took the backpack, but, when the victim returned to the coffee shop, employees were able to provide information to help identify Zielinski. The victim tracked Zielinski on Facebook via his DJ and music production services. She and friends arranged to meet Zielinski to produce a fake music demo. On 4/8/2016, the victim contacted SPD at the Logan COPS substation and explained the situation. Officers responded to the suspect’s address in the 1700 block of North Hamilton and located him at a nearby vehicle. When Zielinski saw officers, he fled on foot. He then attempted to swim across the Spokane River, but realized it was too cold and left the river. He continued to run and was finally taken into custody by several waiting officers. During a search of Zielinski incident to arrest, a small amount of what appeared to be methamphetamine was found.

Zielinski was transported to Spokane County Jail where he was booked for Possession of a Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine, Resisting arrest and Trafficking Stolen Property. He will be in court today at 1:30pm.

Spokane Police Department wants to remind everyone to always keep an eye on your valuables to help prevent theft.  SPD is committed to working with citizens to catch criminals and encourages anyone with information which may lead to the arrest of someone involved in criminal activity to contact Crime Check at 509-456-2233.

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