Driver Arrested after She Attempts to Flee
Passenger also Arrested for Felony Warrant
Early this morning, the driver of a vehicle fled from a Spokane Valley Deputy. After sliding to a stop at a residence well known to the Deputy, she fled on foot. She was contacted a short time later and taken into custody. Both the driver and the passenger were found to have active felony warrants for their arrest.
On January 28, 2019, at approximately 1:27 a.m., Spokane Valley Deputy Spencer Rassier observed a Dodge SUV traveling at a high rate of speed, driving recklessly and failed to use a turn signal in the area of 3rd and Flora/Coach.
When Deputy Rassier activated his emergency lights in an attempt to conduct a traffic stop, the driver, later identified as 18-year-old Haley N. Bunkelman, did not stop and accelerated as she traveled north on Coach. A short distance later, Bunkelman slammed on the brakes and made a hard, right-hand turn at a residence located in the 17200 block of E. Coach. She hit the curb and drove into the back yard. Bunkelman slid to a stop, almost striking a shed and a tree.
As he pulled behind the vehicle, he heard the engine rev and saw the reverse lights of the SUV come on. Deputy Rassier quickly exited his patrol car as he commanded the occupants to put their hands in the air. With his spotlight illuminating the interior of the Dodge, he watched as Bunkelman jumped from the driver’s seat to the back seat of the vehicle.
Deputy Rassier, being familiar with the residence as one frequented by wanted subjects who have been uncooperative with law enforcement in the past, advised Dispatch he was on a traffic stop and needed emergency assistance.
While waiting for backup units to arrive, the rear passenger door opened. Deputy Rassier observed Bunkleman exit the vehicle and run despite several orders for her to stop and advising her she was under arrest.
Deputy Rassier began giving orders to the passenger who remained in the vehicle. When additional Deputies arrived to assist, the passenger, later identified as 29-year-old Tyler M. Wadsworth, complied and was detained without incident. A check of Wadsworth’s name revealed an active Washington State Department of Corrections felony warrant for his arrest.
A perimeter was established, and a short time later, Bunkelman surrendered to a perimeter Deputy.
Both, Bunkelman and Wadsworth were transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for their felony warrants. In addition, Bunkelman was booked on new charges of Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle and Obstructing.