Spokane Valley Sheriff’s K9 Deputy Hunt and his partner K9 Gunnar located a suspect who fled on a stolen motorcycle and later on foot after he crashed in the area of the 6800 block of East 4th Avenue in Spokane Valley. The driver, later identified as 36-year-old Arthur J. Harp, was booking into jail for Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement and Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle.
On May 22, 2016 at approximately 7:15 p.m., Spokane Valley Sheriff’s Deputy K9 Deputy Jason Hunt observed a motorcycle weaving in and out of traffic without using a turn signal as it traveled south on Argonne from Indiana. Deputy Hunt caught up as the motorcycle traveled east on Mullan from Mission. When Harp turned south on Locust, he looked back over his shoulder at Deputy Hunt’s marked patrol vehicle before rapidly accelerating to approximately 70 mph. Due to Harp’s reckless driving, Deputy Hunt activated his emergency lights and siren but Harp continued to flee.
Harp continued to try and evade capture as he traveled between 50-70 mph only, slowing as he approached intersections. As Harp attempted to negotiate a turn from 4th Avenue to go northbound on Elizabeth, he lost control and crashed. Harp stood up and began running west through yards with Deputy Hunt, K9 Gunnar and Deputy Hairston giving chase. Several K9 warnings were made informing Harp if he didn’t stop, a K9 would be used.
Harp fled down the alley and turned north on Bradley out of view. With Harp’s continued effort to evade arrest, Deputy Hunt released K9 Gunnar. K9 Gunnar contacted Harp who was partially concealed under a parked SUV, trying to hide. Harp attempted to get K9 Gunnar to release his hold by hitting K9 Gunnar but quickly complied with Deputy Hunt’s commands to show his hands.
Harp was taken into custody without further incident. Deputies checked the motorcycle and learned it had been reported stolen.
Harp later said he fled because he thought he had a misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. He claimed he didn’t know the motorcycle was stolen, some “dirt bag tweaker” male left it at his house and he thought it would be fun to ride.
Harp was booked into the Spokane County Jail for Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement and Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle.