Suspected Intoxicated Driver Gives False Name, Attempts to Run, and Assaults Deputy
Spokane Valley Traffic Deputy Todd Miller arrested 37-year-old Charles M. Terry for numerous charges including Assault 3rd, a felony, after Terry provided a false name, fled on foot from the traffic stop, resisted arrest and assaulted Deputy Miller as he initially attempted to arrest Terry.
On November 25, 2017, at approximately 11:55 p.m., Deputy Miller observed a silver Nissan Sentra driving north on Sullivan near Broadway. Deputy Miller noted the vehicle did not have a license plate (temp in the window) and was traveling 44 mph (confirmed by radar) in a posted 35 mph zone. The driver of the Nissan, later identified as Terry, stopped for the red light in the right-hand turn lane to enter I-90 eastbound. When the light turned green, the Nissan remained stopped at the light before eventually turning right, without signaling, onto the ramp to I-90.
Deputy Miller stopped the vehicle and contacted Terry who verbally identified himself as Michael Patterson. He stated he didn’t have his driver’s license on him and the vehicle belonged to the adult female passenger. As Deputy Miller spoke with Terry regarding the violations, he observed signs indicating Terry could be intoxicated.
Deputy Miller went back to his patrol car, advised dispatch he would be conducting field sobriety tests and began to check the name/information provided by Terry. Finding no record of the name and information on his computer, Deputy Miller observed Terry get out of the vehicle and run south. Deputy Miller advised dispatch of the foot pursuit and immediately gave chase while yelling for Terry to stop and that he was under arrest but Terry continued to flee up a hill, through a treed area. As Terry attempted to scale a fence, Deputy Miller caught up to him, pulled him down and told him he was under arrest. Instead of surrendering, Terry resisted arrest and became assaultive. Deputy Miller advised dispatch via his radio, he needed emergency assistance as he continued to try and gain control of Terry. Terry was able to break free of Deputy Miller’s grasp and took off running. Deputy Miller caught up with Terry as he tried to get over the fence again while additional Spokane Valley and Spokane County patrol units began to arrive. Deputy Miller maintained control of Terry and took him into custody with the assistance of the additional deputies.
Through additional investigation, Terry’s real name was learned and his driver’s license was suspended. Terry was transported to the Spokane County Jail while Deputy Miller obtained a search warrant and obtain a blood sample as part of the DUI investigation.
At the jail, Terry continued to be argumentative and uncooperative. He was booked for Assault 3rd Degree, DUI, Driving while Suspended, Refusal to Cooperate/Provide Information, Obstructing, and Resisting Arrest.
Terry is currently being held on $10,000 bond for these charges in addition to a $1,000 bond for a separate case where he was charged with DUI and Driving while Suspended.