Spokane Valley Police Department

06/01/2026

VIDEO: Reckless Driving Suspect Tries to Run from Deputies, But He Cannot Escape Air 1

A Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to stop a reckless driver traveling west on I-90 at speeds over 100 mph. The driver refused to stop for the Deputy, who was driving a fully marked patrol car with emergency equipment activated. Air 1 responded and quickly took over, providing real-time location updates to ground units, eliminating the need to continue the pursuit. The driver stopped near the Liberty Park Library and ran on foot. The Air 1 Flight Crew, using their infrared camera system, easily guided ground units to the suspect’s exact location, where they safely took him into custody. He was booked into jail for felony and misdemeanor charges, and his vehicle was impounded.

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On May 30, 2026, at approximately 10:10 pm, a Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy was stationary while monitoring traffic near I-90 and Evergreen Road due to ongoing issues of reckless driving and racing associated with random car meets.

He heard a loud vehicle approaching his location and observed a newer Ford Mustang going west on I-90, passing vehicles at a high rate of speed. The driver, later identified as 19-year-old Paul E. Komarov, continued westbound at high speed as he weaved through traffic.

The Deputy, in his fully marked patrol car, caught up to Komarov just past Pines Road and noticed the Mustang did not have a rear license plate displayed as required by law. As it continued west on I-90 at speeds over 100 mph, the Deputy activated his emergency equipment to conduct a traffic stop. Instead of stopping, Komarov accelerated to over 115 mph in an attempt to evade the Deputy.

Passing Argonne Road, approaching Broadway Avenue at speeds over an estimated 120 mph in a posted 60 mph zone, the Deputy advised via radio that he was in pursuit.

Air 1, already airborne, quickly located the fleeing Mustang recklessly driven by Komarov near I-90 and Sprague Avenue. Soon after, the Deputy disengaged by slowing his speed and deactivating his emergency equipment, ending the pursuit as Air 1 continued to provide the suspect’s location in real time.

Without any law enforcement vehicles in sight, Komarov continued his extremely dangerous and reckless behavior, risking the safety of unsuspecting motorists in the area and his own.

Air 1 advised that Komarov took the 2nd Street exit and continued westbound. He turned onto Liberty Park Place, traveled south and west to Madelia Street, and then west on 4th Avenue, where he parked near the Liberty Park Library.

With Komarov now on foot, Air 1 requested the assistance of Spokane Police Department (SPD) Officers as Spokane County and Spokane Valley Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the area.

With continual updates from Air 1, Deputies and Officers closed in on Komarov’s position and took him into custody on Magnolia Street just south of E. 5th Avenue. During a search of Komarov after his arrest, Deputies located the Mustang’s keys and fob in his pants pocket.

Wearing a sweatshirt that appeared to say, “But Officer… the sign said do a burnout,” accompanied by a depiction of a slick road sign, Komarov was advised of his rights, which he invoked and declined to answer questions.

Komarov was transported to the Spokane County Jail and booked for Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle, a felony, and Reckless Driving, a misdemeanor.

Air 1 Flight Crew

Pilot: Rob Jones
TFO: C. Ruff, Sergeant, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
TFO: G. Thompson, Detective, Spokane Police Department

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05/29/2026

Federal Escapee with Prior Abusive S*xual Contact of a Child Conviction Captured in Omak, Washington

Omak, Washington - On May 28, 2026, members of the United States Marshals Service Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force (PNVOTF), in collaboration with the Colville Tribal Police Department, Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office, and Omak Police Department, arrested Steven Ray ST PETER in Omak, Washington. ST PETER was wanted on a federal arrest warrant charging him with Escape from Custody, 18 U.S.C. 751(a), 4082(a) and Failure to Register as a S*x Offender, 18 U.S.C 2250(a).

On or about April 22, 2026, ST PETER knowingly and willfully escaped from the Spokane Residential Reentry Center, an institutional facility in which he was lawfully confined at the direction of the Attorney General pursuant to a judgment and commitment order issued by the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington. On May 20, 2026, a federal arrest warrant was issued for ST PETER’s arrest.

ST PETER’s federal custody originated from a 2014 federal s*x offense conviction for a crime that occurred on the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation. ST PETER was an adult at the time of the offense, and the victim in that case had not attained the age of 12 years old.

During today’s operation, PNVOTF members and law enforcement partners entered a residence on Nichols Road, after ST PETER failed to comply with law enforcement commands to exit the residence. Law enforcement officers located ST PETER hiding underneath clothing inside a closet. Officers took ST PETER into custody without further incident.

Following his arrest, ST PETER was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail, where he is awaiting his initial appearance and further court proceedings.

The successful apprehension of this fugitive highlights the strength of collaboration between federal, tribal, state, and local law enforcement agencies,” said U.S. Marshal Craig Thayer. “Violent offenders who attempt to evade the justice system will be pursued and held accountable for their crimes. The U.S. Marshals Service places the highest priority on locating and bringing to justice individuals who harm children or who have harmed children in the past. Through the dedication of our deputies, task force officers, law enforcement partners, and the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Washington, we remain committed to the rule of law and ensuring dangerous offenders are held accountable for their actions.”

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The Pacific Northwest Violent Offender Task Force is a U.S. Marshals-led partnership comprising federal, state, and local law enforcement officers from Washington, Oregon, and Alaska. The task force’s primary mission is to locate, arrest and return to the justice system the most violent and egregious federal and state fugitives.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the nearest U.S. Marshals office, the U.S. Marshals Service Communications Center at 1-800-336-0102, or USMS Tips at www.usmarshals.gov/tips.

05/28/2026

UPDATE: Stolen Urn Recovered, Detectives Request Public’s Help with Identifying the Person in this Video

Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Investigative Unit (SCIU) Detectives continue investigating the theft of an urn containing cremated remains, and they ask for the public’s help identifying the person in this video.

The unidentified person, who appeared to arrive in a blue 4-door SUV or similar type vehicle, dropped off the stolen urn and its contents at the front door of Heritage Funeral and Cremation, 508 N. Government Way, during the early morning of April 18, 2026.

At this time in the investigation, it is unknown if this person was involved in the original theft of the urn. However, Detectives are working to identify and interview them to learn what information they may have about this incident.

For clarification: The urn was reported stolen from a wall niche at the cemetery, 508 N. Government Way, by an employee on March 24, 2026. However, the exact date and time of the theft are unknown.

On April 18, 2026, employees reported discovering the urn at the front door of Heritage Funeral and Cremation, also located at 508 N. Government Way, after the unidentified person in the video dropped it off sometime during the early morning.

Anyone who can help Detectives identify this person in the video, or who may have information about this incident, is urged to call SCIU Detective D. Moman at 509-477-3151, reference 2026-10038720.

05/28/2026

This Saturday! Come join the celebration!

05/27/2026

UPDATE: Stolen Metal T.Rex Statue Recovered and Returned

Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies and Investigative Unit Detectives (SCIU) received an anonymous tip regarding the location of the metal dinosaur stolen on March 8, 2026, from a decorative display in the roundabout at N. Dupont Road and N. Mellon Parkway.

Throughout this investigation, Deputies and Detectives received several tips regarding the large metal stolen dinosaur, affectionately nicknamed “Rex,” including reports of a smaller copycat version observed riding around in a black SUV, and posts on several social media platforms. However, with Rex still missing, the “dino hunt” continued.

On May 22, 2026, hopeful and armed with new information that Rex was randomly buried on some property in the general area of the intersection of N. Short Road and W. Montgomery Road, Deputies, in their newfound paleontologist role, set out to find Rex.

With the unsuspecting and uninvolved landowner's permission, Deputies identified a possible location for the missing metal dinosaur and began excavating overburden to rescue him.

They carefully uncovered Rex and eventually freed him from his dirt-filled dungeon. Tow trucks assisted in the rescue of Rex, who is approximately 3 ½ feet tall and weighs an estimated 400 pounds, and Deputies returned him to his owners.

As of today, the owners are working to repair what appeared to be minor damage sustained during his unauthorized journey, and it is unknown when Rex might be reinstalled at his perch of prominence.

At this time, no one has been arrested or charged in connection with this ongoing investigation, and no further information is available.

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Original Information Release on March 19, 2026:

Metal T.rex Statue Stolen by Unknown Suspect(s), Detectives Ask for Your Help Locating It and/or Identifying the Suspect or Suspects

Spokane County Sheriff’s Investigative Unit Detectives (SCIU) are investigating the theft of a metal T.rex dinosaur statue stolen from a decorative display in the roundabout at N. Dupont Road and N. Mellon Parkway. The replacement and repair cost is estimated at approximately $70,000.

Anyone with information about the location of this metal T. rex dinosaur statue, or who can help Investigators identify the suspect(s), is urged to call SCIU Detective N. Kauffman at 509-477-3224, reference #10030824.

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On March 8, 2026, at approximately 12:05 pm, Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a reported theft of a metal T.rex dinosaur artistic statue stolen from the landscaped decorative display, located in the center of the roundabout at N. Dupont Road and N. Mellon Parkway.

Investigators learned that the custom-made metal dinosaur statue is believed to have been stolen sometime on Sunday, March 8, 2026, between 1:00 and 5:00 am.

The replacement value of this custom metal dinosaur, including associated repair costs, is approximately $70,000.

SCIU Detectives are actively investigating this theft and malicious mischief, and, due to the rarity of this artwork, they are asking for the public’s help in locating the statue and identifying the suspect(s).

Anyone with information about the location of this metal T. rex dinosaur statue or who can help Investigators identify the suspect(s) is urged to call SCIU Detective N. Kauffman at 509-477-3224, reference #10030824.

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05/27/2026

Spokane helicopter crew completes long-range Idaho hoist rescue mission (By Jack Schonely, Vertical Plus Magazine)

The Spokane County Regional Air Support Unit launched on a demanding mission that carried crews more than 210 miles (338 kilometers) one way into a neighboring state to rescue five victims stranded after a rafting accident in a remote mountain environment.

With no other aviation assets available and very limited ground rescue options, the crew faced a complex high-altitude operation that required multiple fuel stops, flying at 6,163 feet (1,878 meters) elevation at the rescue site, and navigation through steep terrain surrounded by snow-covered peaks.

The rugged conditions also created significant challenges for search-and-rescue (SAR) teams attempting to reach the victims on foot, making the helicopter hoist operation the most practical option for extracting the survivors.

Read the full article with accompanying pictures:

Spokane helicopter rescuers conducted the longest-distance mission in the unit's history to rescue stranded rafters in Idaho.

05/26/2026

UPDATE: Yesterday, during a hearing in Superior Court, Welch had additional unrelated charges of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 2nd Degree and Assault 2nd Degree-Strangulation (DV) added to his list of charges. At the hearing, with Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner N. Swennumson presiding, Welch’s bond was increased, and his total bond now stands at $125,000.

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Suspect in Motel Fire Arrested for Multiple Counts of Arson and Felony Malicious Mischief Charges

Spokane Valley Sheriff’s Deputies responded to assist Spokane Valley Firefighters with a fire at the Motel 6 on N. Hutchinson Road in Spokane Valley. After interviewing witnesses, Deputies developed probable cause to arrest an adult male suspect for 12 counts of Arson 1st Degree and felony Malicious Mischief 1st Degree. The victim owner estimated the repair costs to be $500,000 or more.

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On May 24, 2026, at approximately 7:00 am, Spokane Valley Sheriff’s Deputies responded to assist Spokane Valley Fire Department (SVFD) Firefighters with a reported fire at Motel 6, 1919 N. Hutchinson Road in Spokane Valley.

While Deputies assisted SVFD with evacuations and crowd control, a witness pointed out a possible suspect in setting the fire, later identified as 35-year-old Christopher M. Welch. Deputies contacted Welch and detained him while they investigated.

Thankfully, no one was seriously injured; however, at least two renters were treated for smoke inhalation, but they were not transported by ambulance to the hospital.

After the Deputies concluded the evacuations, they and SFVD Fire Investigators began investigating the cause of the fire. During an interview, Welch claimed someone was trying to kill him and that they would not let him leave the room. Deputies continued to interview Welch, but his story was inconsistent and hard to follow. He denied setting the fire and told Deputies that he was afraid for his life, because people “would not allow him to leave” and threatened to kill him.

Witnesses identified Welch as the person staying in the room where the fire is believed to have begun. After the fire was started, he was also observed throwing a green propane Coleman torch out of a second-floor window of his room before jumping out of the same window.

Working with SVFD Firefighters and with additional information gained during the investigation, Deputies developed probable cause to arrest Welch for 12 counts of Arson 1st Degree and Malicious Mischief 1st Degree.

The motel's owners estimated the fire damage at $500,000 or more.

Welch was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for 12 counts of Arson 1st Degree and one count of Malicious Mischief 1st Degree. During his probable cause review over the holiday weekend, Spokane County Superior Court Judge B. Beggs set Welch’s total bond at $50,000.

05/25/2026

Memorial Day is a day to Honor those who gave their lives for their Country, ensuring the freedom we enjoy today. Their sacrifice will never be taken for granted or forgotten. God bless America and all those who sacrificed everything to protect it.

05/20/2026

Congratulations to all the Public Safety Award recipients, including our very own Spokane Valley Deputy Catherine Horton (accepted by Sergeant Greg Lance) and Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy Chris Young!

Thank you, Greater Spokane Valley Chamber of Commerce and sponsors, for your continued support. It is very much appreciated.

05/19/2026

We wanted to share a few pictures from our Explorers during a special event on Friday, May 15, 2026, in honor of National Peace Officer Memorial Day. THANK YOU, Explorers!!

“Twice a month, our Explorer post cleans the memorial, as a way of remembering and honoring the sacrifices of members of Washington law enforcement agencies who have lost their lives. This past Friday’s memorial cleaning included a presentation of arms, followed by an extended moment of silence, one second for every member of law enforcement who lost their life over the past year, including SCSO Sergeant Kenneth Salas.

This was a very powerful moment for our Explorers and provided us with a great opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of those who gave it all.”

We have a great Explorer Program that always represents the Sheriff’s Office and Spokane County as a whole, with honor and professionalism, statewide. This is merely one example……

Are you interested in serving your community? A law enforcement career? Join our Explorer Program! More information can be found on their webpage: https://spokaneexplorers.org/