Reckless Driver’s Plan Fails to Keep Girlfriend with Warrant Out of Jail
Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy Drew Richmond ended a short pursuit with a PIT maneuver early this morning, safely taking all three occupants into custody for felony and misdemeanor charges/warrants.
On September 11, 2017, at approximately 12:55 a.m., Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy Drew Richmond observed a Toyota Corolla ahead of his patrol car as they traveled east on Mission near Rebbecca.
When the Toyota approached Myrtle, the driver, later identified as 37 year-old Eric B. Miller, failed to use his turn signal as he suddenly and aggressively turned south on Myrtle and began to accelerate rapidly. Deputy Richmond turned and pulled in behind Miller while activating his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop. Instead of pulling over, Miller accelerated quickly in an obvious attempt to flee. Miller ignored the stop sign, failing to even slow down, demonstrating his total lack of concern for the safety of the public, his passengers, or himself, as he turned east on Trent.
A short distance later, knowing they were approaching a construction zone on Trent, Deputy Richmond determined a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) was necessary for the safety of any construction workers or members of the public. He moved his patrol vehicle into position and executed the technique, causing the Toyota to begin to spin and make contact with the curb. Deputy Richmond positioned his patrol vehicle to pin the Toyota against the curb, successfully ending Miller’s attempt to flee.
Miller and both passengers, later identified at 34 year-old Tabitha K. Harvey and 19 year-old Michael W. Castaner, immediately put their hands up. With the assistance of Spokane Police Officers, all three suspects were safely taken into custody without incident.
After being advised of his rights, Miller stated he fled because he doesn’t have a driver’s license and knew his girlfriend (Harvey) had a felony warrant for her arrest and didn’t want her to go to jail.
All three were transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail.
Miller was charged with Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle and Driving while Suspended 3rd Degree.
Harvey and Castaner had active felony warrants (Possession of Dangerous Drugs) for their arrest.