Reckless, Hit and Run Driver Refuses to Follow Commands
Loaded Pistol and Several Knives Located During Arrest
A Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy took evasive action to avoid a recklessly driven motorcycle that had just hit the vehicle traveling in front of his patrol car. After being stopped, the driver failed to follow commands even once additional units arrived to assist. During his arrest, which he resisted, a loaded handgun and several knives were found on his person.
On September 20, 2021, a Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy was traveling west on W. Seven Mile Road, In the 9300 block. As he began to negotiate the left-hand turn, he observed an eastbound motorcycle fail to maintain its lane due to excess speed and crossover the centerline. A Subaru, traveling in front of the patrol car, swerved sharply to try and avoid the motorcycle, but the motorcycle hit the side of the car and continued. The Deputy, now faced with a possible head-on collision, took evasive action, swerving off the roadway and into a pull out.
The rider of the motorcycle, later identified as 46-year-old Allen G. Givens, continued on his way. The Deputy turned his patrol car around, activated his emergency lights and siren, and attempted to catch Givens.
Approaching Givens, in the 8300 block of W. Seven Mile Road, the Deputy observed the motorcycle drift off the roadway and stop in the sand on the side of the road.
Givens stayed on his bike as he took off his helmet, slowly and deliberately placing it with a bandana on the ground by his feet. The Deputy noted the half-helmet, without a visor, did not obstruct communication and that most riders place a helmet on the handlebars. Seeing this behavior as unusual, the Deputy exited his vehicle and observed Givens reach toward his waistband. With this unusual behavior and knowing weapons are commonly concealed in a person’s waistband or in pockets of a bulky coat, which Givens was wearing, he told Givens to get his hands in the air. Givens did not comply. The Deputy repeated the order several times and Givens chose not to raise or show his hands.
Not knowing if Givens was armed or why he kept his hands from view, emergency back-up was requested as the Deputy unholstered his sidearm and maintained his distance.
While waiting, the Deputy gave the commands several more times. Givens finally complied and raised his hands as he yelled expletives. Then, he lowered his hands and placed them back in front of his body, out of view. Givens repeated this action multiple times with the Deputy giving repeated commands to keep his hands up. Givens was clearly being uncooperative but why he continued to move his hand to the front of his body and out of view was unknown. During this, Givens continued to yell while turning back toward the Deputy in what appeared to be an attempt to visually locate the Deputy’s position.
Givens was told if he did not comply and obey the lawful orders, he would be arrested for obstructing law enforcement, but Givens continued to be defiant despite the warning. Givens was advised he was now under arrest.
A Washington State Trooper arrived to assist, as did another Deputy a short time later. Givens continued to cuss at the Deputies/Trooper but finally kept his hands up.
Givens was ordered to put down the bike’s kickstand and get off the motorcycle. Givens declined, saying the motorcycle would fall due to the sandy ground. Not wanting to cause unnecessary damage to the bike and with the possibility Givens now planned to comply as he kept his hands in view, the Deputies and Trooper cautiously approached. As the Deputies took ahold of Givens’ arms, he tensed up, resisting efforts to place his hands behind his back where he could be secured in handcuffs.
Despite orders to place his hands behind his back, Givens actively resisted. Givens was removed from the motorcycle and placed on the ground. Givens continued to struggle, appearing to try and pull his hands under his body toward his waistband. His leather jacket slid upward during the struggle revealing his belt and a black plastic clip, commonly used to secure an in the waistband holster. Moments later, the grip of a black pistol was observed. The Deputy announced “gun” as Givens continued to resist the Deputies’ and Troopers’ efforts. With the danger now escalated, a Deputy used knee strikes to gain compliance, and Givens was placed in handcuffs.
A loaded Ruger 9mm, with a round chambered, was removed from Givens’ waistband. A fixed blade knife in a leather sheath, and a pocket knife, were also recovered.
The owners of the Subaru Givens originally hit turned around and pulled off the side of the road near the traffic stop. One of the occupants clearly heard the Deputy give orders to Givens and that he was under arrest. Givens’ attempt to resist Deputies’ and Trooper’s efforts to take him into custody was observed. The Subaru received an estimated $500 or more worth of damage.
Givens was provided medical assistance at the scene prior to being transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Reckless Driving, Hit and Run/Property Damage, Obstructing Law Enforcement, and Resisting Arrest.
The pistol and knives were booked into property for safekeeping.
After his first appearance in court, Givens was ordered to be released on his own recognizance the following day. 
