Welfare Check Leads to the Recovery of a Pistol, Ammunition, Ballistic Vest, & Suspected Fentanyl, Methamphetamine, Cocaine
Spokane Valley Deputies and Spokane Valley Investigative Unit (SVIU) Detectives recovered a pistol, ammunition, ballistic vest, pills believed to contain fentanyl (Mexis), suspected methamphetamine/cocaine, a digital scale, other controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia from a seized vehicle after a search warrant was obtained.
The male, a 14-time convicted felon, prohibited from possessing firearms, was arrested for a felony DOC warrant and a misdemeanor warrant. The female in the vehicle, also a convicted felon, was arrested for a misdemeanor warrant. Both were released prior to the seized vehicle being searched.
This investigation continues, and additional charges are expected.
On June 27, 2022, at approximately 2:20 am., Spokane Valley Deputies responded to the 2000 block of N. Argonne Road for a welfare check. The caller reported a male and female were slumped over in a black Mazda parked behind the motel.
Deputies arrived, approached the vehicle, and observed a male, identified as 28-year-old Nikolas K. Havens, and a female, identified as 34-year-old Amanda L. Madson, slumped toward the middle of the car. Neither subject moved when Deputies announced themselves. Madson appeared to be holding drug paraphernalia, commonly used to smoke fentanyl, in her hand.
Havens, seated in the driver’s seat, became conscious and looked around. When he noticed the Deputies, he quickly reached in an apparent attempt to place the car in drive but was stopped by a Deputy. Havens did not follow commands to keep his hands visible on the steering wheel and was detained in handcuffs. Madson was also escorted from the vehicle and detained.
A check of Havens’ name showed an active felony Washington State DOC Hold (original charge identity theft) warrant and a misdemeanor Making False Statements warrant for his arrest. Madson showed an active misdemeanor Theft warrant for her arrest. Havens is a 14-time convicted felon (charges of Trafficking Stolen Property, Identity Theft, Residential Burglary, and Felony Theft) and is prohibited from legally possessing a firearm.
From outside the vehicle, Deputies observed a pistol handle tucked between the driver’s seat and the center console. Havens, who was sitting in the driver’s seat, is a multi-time convicted felon and prohibited from legally possessing a firearm. Other items could be viewed, including drug paraphernalia, clothes, a purse, and other things.
Madson was advised of her rights and agreed to answer questions. She was picked up by Havens earlier in the day, had never seen the car before, and didn’t know if it belonged to Haven. She admitted to smoking “Mexis” in the parking lot before passing out and had no knowledge of a firearm. During a search after her arrest, $712 was found in her pocket.
Havens was advised of his rights and agreed to talk. He claimed to purchase the vehicle from a “man” a few days prior but could not remember his name. He continually claimed anything found in the car belonged to him and not Madson, including the money found in Madson’s pocket. Without being prompted, Haven stated there was a 9mm pistol in the car and a large quantity of drugs, all of which were his.
The vehicle was seized as evidence, pending a search warrant. Havens and Madson were booked into the Spokane County Jail for their warrants.
On July 1, 2022, the search warrant was served on the vehicle by Deputies and Spokane Valley Investigative Unit (SVIU) Detectives. A PW Arms 9mm pistol, ballistic vest, pills believed to contain fentanyl (Mexis), suspected methamphetamine and cocaine, digital scale, other controlled substances, and drug paraphernalia were recovered.
The owner of the Mazda has not yet been determined. This remains an active investigation, and additional charges are expected.
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