Alert Deputy Recovers Stolen Vehicle, Passenger Also Arrested for Warrants
A Spokane County Deputy traveling through an area of Spokane Valley stopped a reported stolen vehicle. The driver was arrested for possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and the passenger had four confirmed warrants for her arrest, ensuring both were booked into jail.
On June 14, 2021, at approximately 7:55 pm., Deputy Catherine Horton noticed a silver Ford Explorer stopped at a traffic light. She checked the vehicle's license plate with Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) and learned the Explorer had been reported stolen.
The stolen vehicle pulled into the parking lot of a convenience store located at Broadway and Park.
While waiting for additional Deputies to arrive and assist, Deputy Horton observed the Explorer leave the parking lot, turn east on Broadway, and quickly turn around. Knowing assistance was close, Deputy Horton activated her emergency lights, signaling for the driver to pull over. The Ford turned north on Park and pulled over.
With additional Spokane Valley Deputies now assisting at the stop, the driver and passenger were given commands. Both cooperated and followed commands, which led to them being taken into custody safely, without the use of physical force.
The female passenger, identified as 26-year-old Naheelah R. Hubbard, was informed of her rights, and she agreed to answer questions. She explained she had recently met the male driver and did not know his real name, saying she only knew him as ‘Monster’. When they were pulled over, the driver immediately apologized, telling her the vehicle was stolen.
A check of Hubbard’s name showed four confirmed warrants for her arrest, 1 felony and 3 for misdemeanor charges.
The driver, identified as 31-year-old Matthew W. Cooper, was advised of his rights and agreed to answer questions. He said he recently purchased the Explorer from a friend and did not have the title yet. He could not provide any proof of sale and denied saying anything to Hubbard about the car being stolen.
Attempts to contact the registered owner were not successful, and the Explorer was impounded.
Cooper was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle. Cooper was arrested for the same charge by a Spokane Police Officer last February for possession of a different stolen vehicle and was released on his own recognizance. After his first appearance, the courts set his bond for both possession of stolen vehicle charges at $1,000.
Hubbard was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for her warrants (Burglary 2nd Degree, Theft 3rd Degree. And two counts of Driving While Suspended 3rd Degree). After her first appearance in court, she was released on her own recognizance.