Police Department

Air 1 Assists SPD in the Arrest of a Convicted Felon

Julie Humphreys, Communications Manager, 509.625.5868

Monday, January 23, 2023 at 8:24 a.m.

The Spokane Regional Air Support Unit assists SPD in arresting a driver who fled from police

On 1/19/23 shortly before 8:00pm SPD officers observed a truck traveling at a high rate of speed and erratically changing lanes in the area of N. Nevada St. near E. Queen Ave. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver sped off continuing to drive well over the speed limit. A Spokane Regional Air Support Unit (SRASU) helicopter was on a scheduled flight at the time and quickly located the vehicle, followed it  and assisted SPD as to the truck’s whereabouts. With communication from SRASU members onboard the helicopter, another SPD officer was able to parallel the truck, eventually approaching it and activating his emergency lights. The driver again sped away at a high rate of speed.

The helicopter tracked the truck for more than 10 minutes while communicating with police in the area about the location of the truck. Eventually, after driving down side streets and alleyways, the driver stopped and exited the truck in the 2000 block of Fairview Ave. SRASU kept an eye on the suspect and led officers into the area. Officers exited their cars and instructed the suspect to stop resisting arrest. He did not, instead running from police, throwing evidence over a fence and attempting to climb the fence to escape police. After a short struggle, officers were able to arrest the suspect and take him into custody.

The suspect, Brendan R. Pierce (25) was booked into the Spokane County Jail on 1 count of DUI, 2 counts of attempting to elude police, driving with a suspended license, unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, obstructing a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest.  Pierce is an 8 time convicted felon with prior convictions including; unlawful possession of a firearm, attempting to elude, assault, robbery, and theft.

Video link from the Spokane Regional Air Support Unit  https://youtu.be/YSylZMXp1k8

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