Arrested Suspect Charged in Multiple Retail Thefts
Spokane Valley Investigative Unit (SVIU) located the suspect connected to several retail theft investigations. The suspect attempted to run, but he was quickly chased down and arrested. He remains in the Spokane County Jail charged with Retail Theft with Special Circumstances 2nd Degree, Theft 2nd Degree (2 counts), Organized Retail Theft 2nd Degree (2 counts), Operate while Suspended 2nd Degree, and Operate a Vehicle without Required Interlock Device.
SVIU continues to investigate several additional cases and will be serving a search warrant on the vehicle that was seized as evidence when the suspect was arrested.
On June 7, 2022, at approximately 10:30 pm., Spokane Valley Deputy West, assisting the Spokane Valley Investigative Unit (SVIU), was attempting to locate a suspect wanted in connection with several SVIU Theft cases.
With information gained from a store’s loss prevention associate and related reports, Deputy West began to surveil a vehicle parked near the encampment (227 S. Ralph) that was believed to have been used by the suspect, identified as 40-year-old Stephen R. Brown.
At approximately 11:00 am., Deputy West observed a male resembling Brown approach the vehicle and enter the trunk. As he continued to watch, the male turned, and Deputy West recognized the male as Brown. Deputy West, in uniform, exited his fully marked patrol car, identified himself, and told Brown to stop. Brown looked at Deputy West and ran to the north. Deputy West gave chase, again telling Brown to stop and that he was under arrest, but Brown ignored the command. Deputy West quickly caught Brown, brought him to the ground, and arrested him without further incident.
After walking back to the patrol car, Brown asked for water and stated he had diabetes. He was provided medical treatment and cleared. A Spokane Police Officer who responded to assist gave Deputy West a bottle of water, which was provided to Brown.
With possible stolen property in the vehicle Brown ran from, it was seized as evidence pending a search warrant.
Brown was advised he was trespassed from Target, Lowes, Big 5, Home Depot, and North 40 Outfitters, at their request for various amounts of time.
Brown was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Retail Theft with Special Circumstances 2nd Degree, Theft 2nd Degree (2 counts), Organized Retail Theft 2nd Degree (2 counts), Operate while Suspended 2md Degree, and Operate a Vehicle without Required Interlock Device.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges are expected.
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