Police Department

Spokane Police Recover Stolen Bike worth an Estimated $6,000

Ofc. John O'Brien, PIO

Wednesday, July 1, 2020 at 9:45 a.m.

Spokane Police recover stolen mountain bike worth an estimated $6,000 after short pursuit through Mission Park area.

On June 29, 2020 around 3:00PM, SPD was doing routine patrol when they noticed a large gathering of individuals under the covered shelter area in Mission Park.  The Officer started to drive up to the sheltered area and as he did this about 6-8 people left the area immediately. The Officer observed one male riding away on a black and red Trek full suspension mountain bike, with bright yellow colored "MAXXIS" on both tires.

This bike was immediately recognized as the stolen bike from an investigation the officer had conducted several days prior. The stolen bike was a Black/Red Trek Remedy 9.9 full carbon fiber mountain bike valued by the victim at $6000.00. (#2020-20100575)

The Officer activated emergency lights and sirens and attempted to stop the suspect, later identified as Austin Wicke (23). Despite emergency lights and sirens being activated, and despite Wicke looking back at the Officer numerous different times as he was being chased, Wicke refused to stop.

Wicke doubled back several times, cut in between houses, and even went into oncoming traffic on Mission Ave in his attempts at getting away from law enforcement.

Wicke eventually crashed the bike behind a nearby residence and the Officer advised Wicke he didn't want to use force against him and gave several warnings with a Taser. Wicke complied and was taken into custody.

When asked where he acquired the bike, Wicke told the Officer he, “Traded it for some dope… from some tweaker.”

During the search incident to arrest, SPD discovered a pair of bolt cutters as well as baggy of a white crystal substance that tested presumptive positive for Methamphetamine.

Wicke was transported to jail where he was booked for Possession of Stolen Property 1st degree, and Possession of a Controlled Substance.

The bike was returned to the victim.

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