Deputies Search for Reckless Driver of a Stolen Vehicle and a Bank Robbery Suspect. It is Possible but Not Confirmed if the Incidents are Related
Spokane Valley Deputies searched the area of E. Mirabeau Parkway and E. Pinecroft Way for a reckless driver of a stolen vehicle, but the driver was not located. The SUV was observed by a Traffic Deputy minute before a bank robbery was reported in the same area. Major Crime Detectives are responding to assist with the investigation.
On April 28, 2023, at approximately 2:35 pm, a Spokane Valley Motorcycle Traffic Unit observed a Honda CRV recklessly traveling north on Sullivan Road. The Deputy observed a driver wearing a mask and dark sunglass that covered their face with a gray hoodie over their head. The Deputy noted the driver was running red lights, speeding, and appeared to be “running from something”.
The Deputy tried to catch up to the vehicle but could not due to traffic congestion, and he did not pursue it because of the extreme risk on a motorcycle in heavy traffic and reckless driving is not an approved crime under Washington State law when a pursuit is authorized.
At approximately 2:38 pm, a call was received by an employee of Chase Bank located inside Fred Meyer, 15609 E. Sprague, reporting a male just robbed the bank branch. The initial description provided was a male, approximately 5’08”-5’10” tall, slim build, wearing jeans and a gray hooded sweatshirt.
Minutes later, Deputies located an unoccupied black 2018 Honda CRV near the Centennial Trail on E. Mirabeau Parkway. Upon further investigation, they learned the SUV had been report as stolen.
Deputies established a perimeter and conducted a search with the assistance of a K9 and a UAS (unmanned aerial system), but due to the number of uninvolved people in the area, the driver was not located.
At this time, it has not been confirmed that the reckless stolen vehicle is connected to the bank robbery; however, due to the very close timeframe and similar descriptions of the driver and the bank robbery suspect, it is possible.
This remains an active investigation.
Anyone with information regarding either one of these incidents or who can help identify the driver of the car or the robbery suspect is urged to call Crime Check at 509-456-2233, reference #10059628.
