Citizens Assist Deputy Catch Fleeing Suspect
Three citizens who witnessed Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Shawn Hause in foot pursuit of a suspect Sunday afternoon in the area of 57th and Regal came to his aid, leading to the suspect’s arrest. One citizen even gave Deputy Hause a ride to close the distance on the suspect during the lengthy chase.
On September 10, 2017, at approximately 3:00 p.m., Deputy Hause observed a Chevy Camaro eastbound on 57th east of Regal. Deputy Hause had observed the vehicle earlier in the day parked near Mt. Vernon and 57th and noticed the vehicle didn’t have license plates or a trip permit in the window and planned to tag it as abandon later in the day.
Deputy Hause also observed the vehicle was driven by a male he believed to be 46 year-old Jason B. Farmer, who he had contact with in the last couple of weeks and knew Farmer’s driver’s license was suspended.
When Deputy Hause pulled out to conduct a traffic stop of the vehicle, Farmer accelerated and pulled into the center lane. Farmer slammed on his brakes causing the rear tires to lockup and smoke before quickly turning north on Moran Ct. and stop. Deputy Hause pulled up and contacted the driver he recognized as Farmer. Farmer admitted his license was suspended as he started to call a friend on his cell phone. Deputy Hause told Farmer he needed step out of the vehicle and he was under arrest, but Farmer refused to exit. He advised Farmer again to put the phone down, exit the vehicle, and place his hands behind his back while explaining if Farmer didn’t comply, OC (pepper spray) would be used.
Farmer agreed to get out of the car, but instead of placing his hands behind his back, he faced the deputy. As Deputy Hause continued to tell him to put his hands behind his back and face away, Farmer started backing away saying, “Don’t shoot me!” before turning and fleeing on foot. During this time, Deputy Hause did not have his hand on his weapon which was still secured in his holster. Deputy Hause yelled for Farmer to stop and gave chase while advising dispatch he needed immediate assistance.
Farmer continued to reach toward his right pocket area as he ran. He fled around the side of a residence, through a garage, circled back around and ran past his vehicle. He turned east on 57th as he continued his attempt to flee. A couple of blocks later, Deputy Hause observed a gold/bronze Nissan 350Z type vehicle pull in front of Farmer two different times. At first, Deputy Hause thought the car was there to assist Farmer but quickly realized the vehicle was attempting to stop or slow Farmer’s escape.
Witnessing the chase, another civilian pulled up next to Deputy Hause and asked if he wanted a ride, and with the additional weight of his equipment, he gladly accepted. The citizen quickly caught up to Farmer and Deputy Hause exited the car. Farmer continued to yell “Don’t shoot me!” as he ran across 57th and then stop. This time when Deputy Hause ordered him to get on the ground and place his hands behind his back, he complied and was taken into custody without force.
A second vehicle pulled up and the driver identified himself as an off duty police officer (Sunnyside Police Officer Sam Ramos) and offered to assist. The driver who initially assisted agreed to return to the area of the traffic stop and guard Deputy Hause’s patrol car while he and Officer Ramos began to walk Farmer back.
After being advised of his rights, Farmer said he ran because he was scared and thought he would be shot. Deputy Hause said he didn’t even touch his firearm and asked why Farmer would think that. Farmer replied, stating lately cops shoot black men who run from them. Farmer apologized several times and said he made a very bad decision to run.
Farmer was booked into the Spokane County Jail for Driving while Suspended 3rd Degree, Criminal Trespass 1st Degree, Resisting Arrest and Failure to Obey Law Enforcement.
The citizen(s) in the Nissan who attempted to assist by blocking Farmer’s way where not identified.
We extend our heartfelt “Thank You” to the Citizens and Officer Ramos who stopped to help Deputy Hause during this lengthy and potentially dangerous foot pursuit. We appreciate, and are grateful for, the support of our community but these actions and assistance went above and beyond, ensuring our deputy was safe and the fleeing suspect was safely taken into custody.