Wanted Suspect Attempts to Flee in Vehicle and on Foot
Didn’t Want to Go to Jail or be Served a DV No Contact Order
A wanted suspect tried to elude a Spokane County Deputy who initiated a traffic stop. The pursuit was ended safely by a successful PIT maneuver, but the suspect remained defiant and would not follow commands before fleeing on foot. Two Taser deployments were unsuccessful. However, a third worked perfectly, allowing the Deputies to take the suspect into custody safely.
On September 29, 2020, at approximately 10:00 p.m., Spokane County Deputy Brent Miller attempted to conduct a traffic stop near E. Jay Avenue and N. Dakota Street. Deputy Miller had checked the Toyota Camry's license plate and learned the registered owner, Joseph Perry, had a suspended driver’s license and a local misdemeanor warrant.
The driver later confirmed to be the registered owner, 39-year-old Joseph A. Perry, pulled into the WinCo Foods parking lot and suddenly accelerated. The Camry began to skid as Perry tried to turn. Deputy Miller advised over his radio that he was in pursuit of a fleeing vehicle, now northbound on Nevada.
With minimal or light traffic on the roadway, Deputy Miller continued to pursue Perry. Due to his reckless behavior, Perry struck two raised center dividers, showering sparks into the air.
Near Division and Price, Deputy Miller was joined by another patrol vehicle occupied by Deputy Davis French and Deputy Alex Velikodnyy. Perry hit another center median, causing damage to the Camry’s wheels and tires.
With lower speeds due to the damage, Deputy Miller surveyed the area to find an appropriate and safe opportunity to attempt a PIT maneuver. He moved his patrol car into position and successfully conducted a PIT, causing Perry’s vehicle to spin. Perry tried to correct for the spin but was unsuccessful, and the Camry hit the curb hard, causing the rear passenger’s side wheel and axel to break loose.
The Deputies positioned their patrol cars to block any escape routes and gave Perry commands to show his hands. Perry ignored the commands and began screaming and hitting his fist on the steering wheel in anger and evident frustration.
As the Deputies tried to get Perry out of the car, he restarted the vehicle and tried to flee again, which had the same unsuccessful result. Perry jumped out of the car's passenger side and fled on foot with the Deputies giving chase, ordering Perry to stop and that he was under arrest.
Perry continued to run, shouting, “Shoot me!”. Deputy Miller and then Deputy Velikodnyy used their Tasers, but the attempts were not effective. Deputy French then successfully deployed his Taser at the right moment causing Perry to fall into a grassy area, just off the pavement.
Perry was safely taken into custody without further incident.
After being advised of his rights, Perry argued with Deputy Miller, proclaiming he was stopped for no reason. Even after Deputy Miller explained, computer records indicated Perry’s driver’s license was suspended, and there was an active misdemeanor warrant for his arrest, Perry continued to complain, stating he didn’t want to go to jail.
Perry was provided medical treatment and cleared. He was transported to the Spokane County Jail, where he was served with a temporary domestic violence order for protection. Perry said he understood and has been trying to “dodge” service of the order for years.
Perry was booked for Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle, Driving while Suspended, Resisting Arrest, and his misdemeanor warrant for Malicious Mischief. He remains in jail with his total bond set at $8,500.