Wanted Fleeing Felon Resists Deputy when Caught
Spokane Valley Deputy Spenser Rassier arrested 38-year-old Samuel J. Lamere for an active felony warrant, Possession of a Controlled Substance and Obstructing.
The incident began early this morning at approximately 3:40 a.m. when Deputy Rassier observed a white Chevy S10 pickup fail to use a turn signal when required. He checked the vehicle’s license plate and was alerted the male registered owner of the vehicle had an active Washington State Department of Correction-Escape Community Custody warrant for his arrest. (Original charge of Possession of a Controlled Substance)
Deputy Rassier activated his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop as the driver, later identified as Lamere, pulled into the Holiday Gas Station at 2303 N. Argonne Rd. Lamere stopped at the gas pumps and exited his vehicle before Deputy Rassier could confirm the warrant, exit his patrol vehicle, or update dispatch of the traffic stop. Deputy Rassier exited his vehicle and Lamere looked directly at him and ran west toward Hutchinson.
Deputy Rassier yelled several times for Lamere to stop but he ignored the commands, continued to run as he reached into his pockets emptying the contents. During the foot chase, In the area of 2200 N. Hutchinson, Deputy Rassier caught up to Lamere, who continually reached in his pockets and waistband as he fled, and tackled him to the ground. Not knowing if Lamere was reaching to access a weapon, Deputy Rassier immediately tried to gain control of Lamere who was trying to push the Deputy away while reaching toward his waistband. During the struggle, Deputy Rassier advised dispatch of his location and the need for emergency backup. Lamere continued his efforts to stand and not comply with commands, Deputy Rassier delivered 2 fist strikes to Lamere’s abdomen which had no effect. As Lamere rolled on to his knees, Deputy Rassier struck Lamere’s back and upper shoulder. After the strike to the shoulder, Lamere yelled he was giving up and was taken into custody as additional deputies arrived to assist.
During a search incident to arrest, three small clear baggies containing a white crystalline substance believed to be Methamphetamine were located in Lamere’s pocket. The substance was later field tested which showed a presumptive positive for Methamphetamine.
Lamere was not injured and declined any need for medical attention.
Lamere was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Possession of a Controlled Substance-Methamphetamine, Obstructing and the confirmed felony warrant.