Spokane Valley, WA — A 36-year-old Spokane Valley man was taken into custody early Thursday, November 20, after deputies say he fled from a traffic stop in a stolen Volkswagen Golf, led officers on a high-speed chase, and later resisted commands before being detained.
Deputy Spots Suspicious Vehicle on Early-Morning Patrol
According to the Spokane Valley Police Department (SVPD), the incident began around 5:45 a.m. when a deputy was conducting crime-prevention patrols in the 6300 block of East Broadway Avenue. The deputy noticed a dark-colored Volkswagen Golf with no front license plate, prompting him to approach the driver.
Deputies say the vehicle immediately drew suspicion. After briefly interacting with the driver, later identified as Ryan W. Croson, 36, the man abruptly drove away, allowing the deputy to obtain the rear license plate number. A quick database check revealed the plate belonged to a 1988 Acura Integra, not the Volkswagen in question.
Suspect Flees During Initial Traffic Stop
The deputy soon located the car again near North Thierman Road and Broadway, where Croson was waiting at a red light. When the deputy activated his emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop, Croson allegedly sped off once more.
Croson briefly pulled over near the Sprague exit, but deputies say he refused commands to show his hands, rolled up his windows, and again drove away — escalating the situation into a full pursuit.
High-Speed Chase Reaches 100 MPH
According to SVPD, Croson began driving recklessly, reaching speeds of 100 mph and traveling without headlights, significantly increasing the danger to nearby drivers. He exited at Freya Street, continued west at around 30–40 mph, then headed north on Ralph Street.
The chase shifted again when Croson turned onto Sprague Avenue, where deputies decided to try a PIT maneuver. However, Croson slammed on the brakes, causing a collision that damaged both the deputy’s patrol vehicle and the stolen Volkswagen.
Gun Drawn as Suspect Ignores Commands
SVPD reports that a deputy stopped in front of Croson’s vehicle, drew his pistol, and ordered him to surrender. Despite repeated commands to show his hands and get on the ground, Croson allegedly ignored instruction and walked around the car.
Deputies were finally able to restrain and arrest him once an additional unit arrived, as per KREM.
Three Passengers Detained, One Injured
Authorities say three adults were inside the stolen Volkswagen. All were detained and questioned.
One passenger reported being struck by a loose speaker during the chase and was taken to a hospital for evaluation. None of the passengers chose to press charges, and all three were released.
Vehicle Reported Stolen Weeks Earlier
Investigators confirmed the Volkswagen had been reported stolen on October 27 in Spokane Valley. The vehicle’s owner told deputies that an unknown suspect stole the car from the parking lot of his residence.
During questioning, Croson allegedly gave conflicting explanations:
- First claiming he didn’t know why he fled
- Then stating he thought the deputy “wasn’t a real cop”
- Later adding that his girlfriend’s father gave him the keys solely to change the oil, instructing him not to drive the vehicle
- He then admitted he took it for a “joy ride” when no one came to reclaim it
Drugs and Paraphernalia Found
During the arrest, deputies say they discovered a clear baggie containing suspected methamphetamine and a glass pipe in Croson’s pocket. The stolen Volkswagen was seized as evidence.
Felony History and New Charges
Croson, a convicted felon with a criminal history in Spokane County dating back to 2006, now faces several charges, including:
- Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle
- Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle
- 3rd Degree Driving While Suspended
- Possession of a Controlled Substance
He was booked into the Spokane County Jail, where his bail is set at $15,000.
Do you think police handled the pursuit appropriately, or should high-speed chases be limited for public safety? Drop your thoughts in the comments — community voices matter!
