Suspect, Recklessly Driving a Stolen Vehicle, Attempts to Flee on Foot after Violently Crashing into an Unsuspecting Victim’s Vehicle
Spokane Valley Deputies chased down a suspect who fled on foot from the scene of an injury collision where he violently crashed the stolen vehicle he was recklessly driving into a victim’s vehicle. Spokane Valley Deputy Travis West quickly caught up to the suspect and safely took him into custody.
The victim driver received medical attention at the scene for minor injuries.
The suspect was transported to a hospital for further care. After he was medically cleared, he was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail on numerous charges.
On June 8, 2021, at approximately 4:05 pm., Spokane Valley Deputy Costello observed a reported stolen white Ford pickup driving west on Indiana approaching Pines.
Deputy Costello activated his emergency lights and siren, signaling for the driver, later identified as 19-year-old Nicholas O. Stratton, to pull over as required. However, Stratton immediately accelerated in a blatant attempt to flee. He continued west on Montgomery, driving over curbs and through the roundabout at a high rate of speed. Still driving recklessly without any regard for the safety of other drivers and pedestrians in the area, Stratton turned onto Jackson Road. Deputy Costello lost sight of Stratton, and search for the stolen truck began.
Minutes later, Deputy Johnson noticed the stolen vehicle traveling east on Mansfield, and he began to pursue it. Stratton passed other motorists and drove into opposing lanes of travel at a high rate of speed. Recognizing the increasing danger to other motorists/pedestrians in the area due to Stratton’s reckless actions and complete lack of concern for everyone, including himself and pursuing Deputies, Sergeant Hanson terminated the pursuit on Mansfield, west of Pines.
Already in the area, Deputy West observed Stratton recklessly go through the intersection of Mansfield and Pines. Stratton continued his dangerous behavior, almost causing a wreck in the intersection, before continuing east on Mansfield and out of sight without being pursued by Deputies.
With limited avenues of travel, Deputies converged in the area. Moments later, Deputy West advised of a collision at Mansfield and Mirabeau Parkway involving Stratton and a victim’s vehicle. The Ford truck driven by Stratton rolled after violently colliding with the unsuspecting victim’s vehicle.
Deputy West observed Stratton climb out of the destroyed, stolen truck and run away from the scene without even checking to see if the adult driver he hit was injured. Deputy West exited his fully marked patrol car and ordered Stratton to stop. Stratton looked back over his shoulder at the Deputy but ignored the lawful order and continued running. Deputy West gave chase, quickly closed the distance, and took Stratton into custody.
Initially, Stratton identified himself with a false name and date of birth. He was provided medical attention at the scene and was transported to the hospital for further evaluation.
Other Deputies at the scene contacted the victim and checked his condition. He was provided medical attention at the scene and, thankfully, only received minor injuries despite the extensive damage to both vehicles.
Through the continued investigation, Stratton’s true identity was learned. A check of his name showed an active misdemeanor warrant for his arrest. With additional information Stratton had used drugs earlier in the day and was possibly impaired; Deputy Costello was granted a search warrant to obtain a sample of Stratton’s blood for testing.
SIRT Team Volunteers assisted with traffic control while a portion of Mirabeau Parkway was closed to traffic for approximately two hours allowing for the safe removal of the destroyed vehicles, and evidence was documented/collected.
After being medically cleared, Stratton was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for the following charges: Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Vehicle, Hit and Run-Injury, DUI, Making False Statements to Law Enforcement, Obstructing and his misdemeanor warrant.
