Air 2 Video: Reckless Driver Leads Deputies to Stolen Motorcycle/Drugs/Cash & 4 Arrests
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested four suspects after a reckless driver on a motorcycle fled initiating a pursuit. Air 2, already airborne, followed the motorcycle from above and updated deputies of its location allowing them to continue at a safe distance at lower speeds. After the driver dumped the bike inside a large shop, he and two additional suspects were located hiding in a trailer at the rear of the shop. In total, four suspects were arrested and deputies seized drugs, cash, and the motorcycle which was stolen.
On August 31, 2017, at approximately 10:15 p.m., Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy Drew Richmond observed a red sport type motorcycle traveling at an extremely high rate of speed on 3rd near Freya. Deputy Richmond observed the driver weave between vehicles and estimated the bike’s speed at 70 mph in a posted 35 mph zone.
Attempting to catch up and stop the reckless motorcycle, Deputy Richmond activated his emergency lights and siren. The driver, later identified as 28 year-old Matthew G. Low, looked at the patrol car behind him and accelerated rapidly in an obvious attempt to flee. Low entered onto I-90 eastbound and accelerated toward 90-100 mph as he continued to weave around vehicles. Near the Sprague exit, as I-90 curves, Deputy Richmond lost sight of Low.
Air 2, already airborne for a scheduled patrol flight, advised they had a visual of Low traveling at high rate of speed on Appleway approaching Park. Air 2 continued to follow Low and provided updated location information and direction of travel. Low continued his attempt to evade deputies until he pulled into a driveway in the 2900 block of E. Gordon.
Deputies, assisted by Spokane Valley Deputies, quickly established a perimeter.
Air 2 maintained an orbit over the area and advised deputies on the ground multiple suspects ran from the rear of the building (a large garage) into a small camper behind the building.
People contacted at the shop and in the immediate area stated an unidentified male (Low) quickly drove into the garage and laid the motorcycle over on its side. Low took his helmet off and closed the garage door behind him. He fled on foot out the back and into a camper in the rear building.
Multiple K9 announcements were given for the suspect to surrender and advising K9s would be used, but they went unanswered. A search warrant for the camper and shop was requested and granted. A red Honda motorcycle was located inside the garage. Deputies later learned the motorcycle was stolen but the owner was unaware and had not reported it yet.
Several more announcements for Low to exit the camper went unanswered. After breaching a window, Low, and 29 year-old Adam R. Dahlman were observed inside. Both would not follow commands, show their hands, or exit the camper until OC (pepper spray) was applied through the window. A third male, 32 year-old Joshua F. Hines was observed hiding inside the camper bathroom. He would not follow commands to show his hands and exit the camper. Himes exited the camper and was taken into custody after additional OC spray was applied through the bathroom window.
When deputies cleared the camper of any additional occupants, a plastic baggie containing a significant amount of a white crystalized substance believed to be methamphetamine, a plastic baggie contacting a dark brown tar like substance believed to be heroin, a black digital scale, and a large amount of cash was observed on the table.
An amendment to the search warrant was requested and obtained. The substances in the baggies were tested and showed a presumptive positive result for methamphetamine and heroin along with $728.00 in cash. All of the evidence was seized and booked into property.
The investigation revealed the drugs belonged to 19 year-old Kailey R. Flamand. She was booked into the Spokane County Jail for 2 counts of Possession of a Controlled Substance with Intent to Deliver (Methamphetamine & Heroin).
Low was booked into the Spokane County Jail for Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Vehicle, Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Obstructing and Reckless Driving. He is still in custody on these charges as well as unrelated charges of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 1st Degree, Malicious Mischief (DV) and Driving While Suspended 1st Degree.
Dahlman and Hines were both transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Obstructing Law Enforcement.
This incident involved Spokane County and Spokane Valley Deputies and K9 Unit along with Air 2 and Spokane Police Officers and K9 Unit. This positive outcome of 4 arrests with no citizens, deputies, officers, or suspects injured with seizure of dangerous drugs and illegal money is a testament to the capabilities of Air 2 in conjunction with the collaborative effort and great work provided by area law enforcement each and every day.