SPOKANE, WA — A wanted suspect who fled from deputies early Thursday morning was located and arrested with the assistance of Spokane County Sheriff’s Office K9 Bo.
At approximately 1:35 a.m. on May 22, Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a trespassing call in the 3600 block of E. Francis Avenue. A store employee reported that a man, later identified as 32-year-old Damon J. Smith, had been rummaging through a dumpster and became argumentative when asked to leave. The employee stated Smith had caused a disturbance by yelling at staff and customers and requested that he be trespassed from the location.
Responding deputies were informed by Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) that Smith had an active warrant for cyberstalking. Deputies located him a short time later walking near N. Julia Street and E. Central Avenue. When contacted, Smith refused to provide his name and fled on foot after being told about the warrant.
Deputies pursued Smith as he entered the secured lots of two nearby businesses. A perimeter was established around the area in the 3800 block of E. Central Avenue. Multiple public address announcements were made advising Smith to surrender and warning that a K9 would be deployed. Smith did not comply.
A UAV operator from the Spokane Police Department assisted with an aerial search, and K9 Bo was deployed. The K9 located Smith hiding under a truck. Smith initially continued to disobey commands but eventually surrendered and was taken into custody.
After being read his rights, Smith admitted he had heard the warnings but believed deputies would leave if he remained hidden. He apologized for fleeing. Following medical clearance, Smith was booked into the Spokane County Jail on charges including two counts of second-degree burglary, resisting arrest, obstructing a law enforcement officer, and his outstanding warrant for cyberstalking.
