Police Department

Simple Police Contact for a Civil Bike Infraction Ends in Arrest After Suspect Flees from Officers; Stolen Property Recovered After Suspect is Taken into Custody

Officer Daniel Strassenberg, PIO

Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at 11:54 a.m.

On the 9th of December 2025 just before 7 p.m., an officer assigned to the Downtown District observed a subject riding a BMX style bicycle on the sidewalk near Sprague and Stevens. The officer also noted that the bike was not equipped with any visual lights. As the officer attempted to contact the subject on the bike, they fled, ignoring all verbal commands to stop.

The officer, on foot, nearly caught the bike as it fled through a nearby parking lot. Additional responding officers responded to the area and the suspect was detained a short distance away. One of the assisting officers observed the suspect throw a small black bag before being detained.

The suspect would later be identified as 47-year-old Gena R. Belger. Belger was placed under arrest for Obstructing and Resisting Arrest. During a search of her person, officers would locate a black wallet. Checking the wallet, officers found a license, cash (nearly $800.00, credit cards, and other items that belonged to a different female. Further investigation would reveal those items had been reported stolen in Airway Heights on December 8th. Items belonging to another person were also located, but no theft report had been filed.

At the completion of the investigation, Belger was additionally charged with 4 counts 2nd Degree Possession of Stolen Property and booked into the Spokane County Jail. The officer would later contact the victim, returning her stolen items.

Related Images

• Bicycle
• Cash found
• ID and cards found

• Older