Driver, a Convicted Felon, Arrested for a Felony Warrant and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm after Failing to Follow Traffic Commands
Spokane Valley Deputies, at the scene of a one-vehicle non-injury crash, contacted the driver of an unrelated car after he accelerated twice before slamming on his breaks. A Sergeant, directing traffic around the scene, believed he might be struck by the vehicle until the driver stopped. The driver appeared agitated and continued to be defiant. A check of the driver’s name showed an active felony warrant for his arrest. After he was told he was under arrest, the driver began to reach around inside the vehicle. He was quickly restrained and placed in handcuffs. A loaded pistol was later found wedged next to the driver’s seat.
On September 13, 2021, at approximately 3:45 a.m., Spokane Valley Deputies were investigating a non-injury crash involving a car that hit a fence.
Sergeant Mosher, assisting with traffic control at the scene, observed a dark-colored sedan approaching. The driver, later identified as 45-year-old Brian J. Francis, sped up instead of slowing as he drove toward Sergeant Mosher’s location. Fearing he might be hit by the car, Sergeant Mosher quickly flashed his flashlight and looked for a safe escape route. Francis accelerated again, then slammed on his brakes and came to a stop.
Sergeant Mosher contacted Francis and two female occupants. Francis looked down at the gear shifter and appeared to be considering shifting the car into reverse to flee as Deputy Christopher Kyle approached the passenger’s side. Francis placed the transmission in park and turned the car off.
When it was explained there was a crash scene, and he nearly hit Sergeant Mosher, Francis said he was confused. Appearing very nervous, he said he didn’t have his driver’s license on him but verbally provided his name and date of birth.
Following a name check, Sergeant Mosher was informed, via his radio, that Francis had an active felony warrant for his arrest. He advised Francis he was under arrest for the warrant and told him to step out of the vehicle.
Instead of doing as instructed, Francis quickly spun his body toward the passenger, attempting to kiss her. As he did, his left hand/armed dropped out of view. Deputies opened the door and took control of Francis’ arms. As he exited the vehicle, Deputy Becky Lederle, seeing a handgun next to the driver’s seat where Francis was digging around, quickly moved to the driver’s side, instructing the passengers to place their hands in view. It is not known if Francis was reaching for the weapon or trying to hide it from view.
The passengers followed commands, were safely detained, and later released without charges.
Spokane Valley Investigative Unit Detectives recovered a loaded pistol, a small amount of heroin and methamphetamine, and a sap from the vehicle.
Francis, a convicted felon (Possession of a Controlled Substance, Assault 3rd Degree), is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Francis was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm 1st Degree and Possession of a Dangerous Weapon. He was also booked on a felony Washington State Department of Corrections, Escape Community Custody Hold.
