Wanted Suspect Attempts to Flee, Finds Out He Can’t Outrun K9 Gunnar
Spokane Valley Deputies and K9 Gunnar apprehended a suspect after he tried to flee in a vehicle and then on foot. Initially, the suspect fled from a traffic stop in the city. Soon after, the suspect vehicle was reportedly driving east on I-90, in the westbound lanes. When Deputies located the suspect, he failed to stop for their emergency lights. During the ensuing pursuit, spike strips were successfully deployed, and a PIT maneuver attempted before the suspect ran from the vehicle and was captured by K9 Gunnar.
On October 22, 2019, at approximately 11:40 p.m., Spokane Valley Deputies located a suspect vehicle near Pines and Mission. The driver of the car, later identified as 26-year-old Kody M. Scott, fled from an earlier traffic stop and was reportedly driving the wrong way on I-90.
Sergeant Streltzoff observed Scott driving south on Pines and turn west on Cataldo. Scott turned into the parking lot of an apartment complex and continued through as he looked over his shoulder at the patrol car. Scott turned west on Cataldo and increased his speed above the posted speed limit.
Sergeant Streltzoff activated his emergency lights and siren, but Scott did not yield. Sergeant Streltzoff advised, over the radio, he was in pursuit of the vehicle as additional Deputies responded to assist.
Scott turned off his headlights and accelerated in a blatant attempt to avoid pursuing patrol cars. With little to no vehicle or pedestrian traffic in the area, the pursuit continued.
At the intersection of Broadway and Progress, Deputy Hunt successfully deployed spike strips, causing the passenger’s side tires to deflate slowly.
Scott continued his reckless attempt to avoid capture.
Hoping to end the pursuit safely, Deputy Sullivan attempted a PIT Maneuver as Scott turned west on Sprague from Conklin. Scott’s vehicle spun 180 degrees, but he was able to regain control and drove through a business parking lot. He suddenly stopped on the far side of the parking lot, exited his car, looked back at the patrol cars, and began to run.
Deputy Hunt, who had joined the pursuit with his partner K9 Gunnar, gave chase along with other Deputies. Deputy Hunt warned Scott to stop, and if he didn’t, a K9 would be used, and he would be bitten.
Scott chose to continue running and ignore the commands to stop. Deputy Hunt remotely deployed K9 Gunnar from his patrol car. K9 Gunnar quickly closed the divide and caught up to Deputy Hunt. K9 Gunnar continued and contacted Scott, taking him to the ground. Scott fought with K9 Gunnar, trying to get him to release his grip, but K9 Gunnar held firm and would not let go.
Eventually, Scott complied with commands and was taken into custody without further incident.
A check of Scott’s name revealed an active felony warrant (Identity Theft 2nd Degree) for his arrest. Scott was advised of his rights and agreed to answer questions. He said he ran because he knew he had warrants. He later told Deputy Hunt when asked why he continued to run after the K9 warning Scott said, “That dog is awesome, once he got me he didn’t let go!” He admitted to hearing the K9 warning but kept running because he hoped he would get away.
Scott was provided medical attention prior to being transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle and his felony warrant (4 counts of ID Theft 2nd Degree). He remains in custody with a combined bond of $15,000.
