Submitted by Fox First at Ten on July 7th
PRESS RELEASE FROM SPOKANE POLICE DEPARTMENT
SPOKANE, Wash. - On July 6th, 2012, at approximately 4:11 am, Spokane Police Officer Scott Lesser attempted to stop a subject on a bicycle at 3rd and Monroe for riding without a helmet or headlight and going the wrong way on a one-way. Instead of stopping as legally required by law, the subject sped off on the bicycle, riding around the Tradewinds Motel at 3rd and Lincoln. Officer Lesser gave chase in his patrol car until the subject was able to get through a blocked alley behind the Tradewinds.
Officer Lesser got out on foot and chased the subject, who was still on the bike. The suspect continued eastbound and Officer Lesser continued on foot, advising responding officers of the suspect's location. Multiple officers responded and tried to catch the suspect as he cut through alleys and parking lots. Officers caught up to the suspect when he crashed his bike at 2nd and Washington and he was then taken into custody.
In the suspect's backpack which he had on him, Officers discovered numerous Burglary Tools, a drug scale, some Heroin, and a loaded .22 semi-automatic handgun. The suspect, a 17 year old juvenile male from Spokane, was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2nd Degree (Convicted Felon), Possession of a Controlled Substance (Heroin), Obstructing, and Possession of Burglary Tools.
When Officer Lesser exited his vehicle at 3rd and Monroe to chase the suspect on foot, he dropped his flashlight. When officers returned to retrieve it for him, they discovered it was missing. The flashlight is a black Pelican brand LED flashlight, model 8060, engraved with the number #1067. Anyone with information on its whereabouts should please call Crime Check at 456-2233 to turn it in.
The downtown area has seen an increase in Vehicle Prowlings and officers are working hard on this issue. Vehicle Prowling is a property crime, but citizens should still not confront a suspect. They are often armed with weapons as seen in this case. Citizens are encouraged to call Crime check about any suspicious activity or 911 if they witness a crime in progress.
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