Multi-State Crime Spree Ends in Spokane Valley with Suspect Killed by Police

A violent crime spree spanning Idaho and Washington reached its deadly conclusion Sunday when a suspect was shot and killed by law enforcement in Spokane Valley.

Around 8:30 a.m., deputies responded to a carjacking involving a father and daughter near the Whistle Stop Coffee Shop. The suspect, armed with a rifle and pistol, forced his way into a Dodge Challenger and sped off toward Idaho, reaching estimated speeds of 140 mph.

Just minutes later, in Idaho’s Stateline area, the suspect struck a motorcyclist, attempted several more carjackings, and fatally shot a Good Samaritan who tried to intervene at a Stop-N-Go parking lot.

The suspect then raced west on I-90, opening fire on pursuing officers. Law enforcement used spike strips to disable his vehicle, but he continued driving until crashing into another civilian vehicle and a Washington State Patrol cruiser near Trent Avenue and Pines Road.

When the suspect exited his wrecked vehicle with a firearm, deputies and troopers opened fire, killing him at the scene. Medics arrived but he was pronounced dead.

Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels noted that the suspect did not appear to have a major criminal record, and authorities have yet to determine his motive. The Independent Investigative Response Team has taken over the case, and both Washington and Idaho agencies are collaborating on the investigation.