Motorcyclist’s Short Attempt to Flee, Ends in a Crash
A motorcyclist’s attempt to flee from a Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Deputy quickly ended when he lost control and crashed into another vehicle. The suspect was transported to the hospital for what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries.
On June 4, 2020, at approximately 8:05 a.m., Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy Brandon Wilson observed a male riding a Yamaha YZF650 near Havana and Sprague. The rider, later identified as 26-year-old Jakob D. Petitto, was not wearing a helmet and the motorcycle did not have a license plate.
When the Deputy activated his emergency lights and siren to conduct a traffic stop, Petitto looked back at the patrol car and accelerated rapidly running a red light at Carnahan in an attempt to flee eastbound on Sprague. Petitto ran a second red light in the 5200 block of Sprague and drove into the turn lane to pass other vehicles. When he entered the intersection, he crashed into another vehicle. Petitto jumped up and began to run before deciding to give up and follow commands.
Petitto was quickly taken into custody and provided medical treatment. He refused to answer questions, and he was transported to a hospital for what appeared to be minor injuries.
During the subsequent investigation, Deputies observed the ignition of the motorcycle was ground off, and they were unable to locate a key at the scene. Attempts to contact the registered owner of the motorcycle were unsuccessful, and it is not known if Petitto had permission to have it or if it was stolen.
As this investigation continues, Petitto faces a felony charge for Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle. Depending on if the registered owner reports the motorcycle as stolen, potentially Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle. In addition, Petitto will also be issued multiple traffic infractions (no helmet, no valid vehicle plates/registration, no motorcycle endorsement, no driver’s license on his person).
The driver of the vehicle Petitto struck was not injured.
