UPDATE: Suspect Identified and Arrested with the Public’s Help
With tips flowing in after the release of the suspect’s picture on July 5, 2019, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit (SCIU) Detective Lloyd Hixson positively identified the suspect as 21-year-old Ian P. Van Sickle.
Detective Hixson continued to work the case, located additional evidence and developed probable cause for the arrest of Van Sickle.
On August 6, 2019, Detective Hixson and Detective T. Spitzer attempted to contact Van Sickle at a residence on W. Augusta. Soon after making contact with an occupant at the front door of the home, a male fitting Van Sickle’s general description was observed slinking away from the back of the residence.
The Detectives contacted the male, later identified as Van Sickle, a short distance away. Although he was now sporting short hair, Detectives immediately identified him, noting they'd received a tip advising Van Sickle had cut his long hair. Van Sickle appeared nervous and despite being told he was under arrest, attempted to flee. Van Sickle was taken into custody after a short struggle.
Van Sickle declined to answer questions and was booked into the Spokane County Jail for Identity Theft 2nd Degree, two counts of Possession of Stolen Property 2nd Degree, and Resisting Arrest. He was also booked for two valid misdemeanor warrants (Assault 4th Degree-DV, Violation of a No Contact Order-DV).
The next day, following his first appearance, Van Sickle was released on his own recognizance on the new charges (3 felony, 1 misdemeanor) but remained in custody due to the DV warrants. The following day, Van Sickle posted the $2,000 bond via a bail bonds company and was released.
We are incredibly grateful for the tremendous amount of help and support we receive from our community. Our Investigative Units work hard to hold suspects accountable for their criminal acts, and many times, their success is directly related to the tips/information received from all of you. Thank you for your continued support and willingness to work together as partners to keep our community safe.
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Original Press Release from July 5, 2019:
Detectives Ask for Your Help Identifying the Male in this Photo
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit (SCIU) Detective Lloyd Hixson would like your help identifying the male in this photo.
The male is suspected of fraudulently using a stolen credit card at a local store. The credit card was taken during a vehicle prowling at Bear Lake in North Spokane County.
If you recognize this male and can identify him, please contact Detective Hixson at 509-477-2709, reference #10067805.
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Don’t Leave Property You Want to Keep in Your Vehicle
We understand this sounds like a “No Kidding!” statement, but we would like to remind everyone, criminals are out on our streets looking to steal your property.
We have all heard the reminders, and we know leaving items of value in our vehicles is risky; however, we continue to receive vehicle prowling reports of people who either forgot to remove items of value or decided to take the chance no one will steal them.
It only takes these predatory criminals seconds to smash your window and steal your valuables, identification, or anything else they can get their hands on.
Please help us stop property crime and most of all, help yourself avoid having a really bad day. These criminals don’t care about you or the hardships they cause; they just want your stuff. Keep your valuables with you or leave them at home. If you must leave them in your car, keep them out of sight or lock them in your trunk if you have one.
