Police Department

On Sunday 6/23/24 about 3pm, police responded to a call of a carjacking at a park in the 2900 block of N West Oval St. where a female victim reported a man got into her car, after she stepped out, and took off dragging her behind

Julie Humphreys Public Safety Communication Manager

Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 9:19 a.m.

On Sunday 6/23/24 about 3pm, police responded to a call of a carjacking at a park in the 2900 block of N West Oval St. where a female victim reported a man got into her car, after she stepped out, and took off dragging her as she was holding onto the vehicle. The victim relayed she did not know the man and that her dog was still in the vehicle.  Patrol officers responded immediately and located the vehicle driving in the area of E. Empire Ave. and N. Regal St. The suspect drove away from police, who approached the vehicle with their emergency equipment activated, at a high rate of speed through city streets. At one point during the pursuit the suspect rammed a patrol vehicle and continued fleeing. The suspect also hit several traffic cones as he drove through a construction area and also hit two parked vehicles. Officers were eventually able to stop the fleeing vehicle by conducting a PIT manuever but the suspect ran from the vehicle and directly at officers. Officers attempted to apprehend the suspect to prevent him from continuing to put police and the public at risk. Officers successfully took the suspect into custody even as he fought and assaulted police.

Police arrested Austin L. Hayes (24) and booked him into the Spokane County Jail. Probable cause was developed to charge Hayes with Robbery 1^st Degree Carjacking, Assault 2^nd Degree – Intention to Commit Felony, Attempting to Elude Police Vehicle, Assault 3^rd Degree, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer, Operating a Vehicle with License Suspended, and 2 counts of Hit and Run Unattended Vehicle. Hayes appeared in a Spokane Superior Courtroom this afternoon where a judge set his bond at $100,000. Hayes has an extensive criminal history which the judge noted in referencing his 17 prior convictions and ongoing threat to the community.  His most recent felony convictions are for 2^nd Degree Possession of Stolen Property, and Eluding.

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