Police Department

14-Year-Old Arrested After Fleeing From Stolen Victim

Cpl. Nick Briggs, PIO

Monday, August 28, 2023 at 5:06 p.m.

14-year-old arrested for multiple crimes after fleeing from stolen Hyundai

On 08-28-23, at about 7:30AM, a victim called SPD stating their Hyundai Sonata had been stolen overnight. The victim had equipped the car with a tracking device and was able to provide officers with real-time information regarding its location.

Just before 8AM, Officers located the stolen vehicle in the alley of 1200 E Rockwell Ave. With SPD patrol vehicles blocking the stolen car’s avenue of escape, the driver immediately fled on foot, jumping fences and running through yards in the process. The suspect left the vehicle in gear as he fled, which caused the car to roll into and strike an SPD patrol vehicle.

A few minutes later, officers found the suspect hiding in some tall grass next to a home. Officers took the suspect into custody without further incident, and learned he was 14-years-old.

SPD officers found sunglasses along the path the suspect had run, and learned those sunglasses belonged to the victim of the vehicle theft. Additionally, after being taken into custody, the suspect lied about his identify to officers.

The juvenile suspect was booked into Spokane County Juvenile Detention for multiple charges including: possession of a stolen motor vehicle, hit and run, obstructing a law enforcement officer (for fleeing from officers), making false statements to a law enforcement officer (lying about his name), and theft 3^rd degree (for taking the sunglasses).

The 14-year-old was released from juvenile detention a few hours after being arrested.

An increasing number of Kia and Hyundai vehicles have been reported stolen in Spokane. Security upgrades, which may make it more difficult for prospective thieves to steal a vehicle, are offered by the manufacturer for some makes and models. Owners are encouraged to contact an authorized dealer, or visit the manufacturer’s website, to learn if their vehicle is eligible for the security enhancements. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also operates a query tool which allows vehicle owners to enter the VIN and see if there are any published recalls for their vehicle. Check for Recalls: Vehicle, Car Seat, Tire, Equipment | NHTSA

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