Suspect Learns “COPS” Ringtone is a “Catchy” Tune
A suspect who attempted to elude a Spokane Valley Deputy in a vehicle, and on foot, was arrested at a sports bar while trying to blend in with the crowd. After his arrest, he denied running from the Deputy even after his identity was confirmed by a witness and the Deputy himself. The final proof occurred when the Deputy called the cell phone number provided by the suspect and the “COPS” theme song ringtone started playing from the suspect’s phone he left in the driver’s seat.
On July 14, 2018, just before 11:30 p.m., Spokane Valley Deputy Andrew Richmond observed a Volkswagen spin its tires and rapidly accelerated from a traffic light on Sullivan and Broadway. The driver, later identified as 28-year-old Sean M. Kelley, continued to accelerate to over 70 mph despite Deputy Richmond’s patrol vehicle behind him with its emergency lights and siren activated.
In an obvious attempt to evade Deputy Richmond, Kelley turned into a parking lot in the 200 block of N. Sullivan and rapidly accelerate. Kelley drove around the Sullivan Scoreboard to a gravel parking lot, rapidly accelerated again and turned off all his lights. As Kelly parked the vehicle and jumped out, Deputy Richmond pulled up and exited his patrol car. Kelley looked directly at Deputy Richmond who ordered Kelly to stop and get on the ground. Kelley ignored the commands, turned and ran into the business.
Deputy Richmond chased Kelley through the bar but briefly lost sight of him when Kelley ran out onto a large patio area occupied by approximately 50 or more people. A few minutes later, a male approached Deputy Richmond and told him Kelley was sitting at a table on the west end of the patio. Deputy Richmond immediately recognized Kelley even though Kelley had removed his shirt and hat in an attempt to change his appearance.
Kelley was arrested without further incident, placed in the back of a patrol car and advised of his rights. Kelley denied running from Deputy Richmond and stated he had been at the bar for “hours”. During the interview Kelley provided his name, address and other information including his cell phone number. A check of Kelley’s revealed an active misdemeanor warrant (DUI) for his arrest and that Kelley’s driver’s license was suspended in the 3rd degree.
During a search of Kelley, a cell phone was not located. With Kelley still denying he tried to flee, Deputy Richmond decided to call the cell phone number Kelley provided. He walked over to the vehicle Kelley was driving and Deputy Richmond could clearly hear the well-known theme song of the Cops TV show coming from Kelley’s cell phone, which was sitting on the driver’s seat.
Kelley was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle, Obstructing and Driving while Suspended 3rd Degree in addition to his misdemeanor warrant.