Driver and Multi-time Convicted Felon Arrested, Pistol/Suspected Fentanyl Seized Vehicle Believed to have Eluded Deputies Multiple Times in the Recent Past
Spokane Valley Deputies used spike strips to stop a vehicle that is believed to have fled from Deputies three times in the last month. The driver, a multi-time convicted felon (14 felony convictions), was arrested for Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Vehicle, Violation of a Domestic Violence Order of Protection, and Reckless Driving. A handgun was observed inside the vehicle, which was seized pending a search warrant.
Spokane Valley Investigative Unit obtained a search warrant and recovered a Glock 20, 10 mm semiautomatic pistol, and over 200 pills believed to contain Fentanyl (aka Mexi’s).
On July 28, 2022, at approximately 11:15 pm, Spokane Valley Deputy R. Sullivan observed a yellow Chevrolet Colorado truck parked at a gas station at Mullan and Sprague. Knowing this vehicle matched a vehicle that had recklessly fled from him and other Deputies (07/02/22, 07/12/22, 07/22/22) recently, he advised other Deputies of the vehicle's location.
Deputy Sullivan observed the truck leave the parking lot and drive north on Willow Road. He turned around and attempted to catch up to the vehicle, now traveling at a high rate of speed, and failed to stop at Valley Way and Willow for the stop sign. Deputy Sullivan activated his emergency lights and siren to try and stop the truck, but the driver, later identified as 36-year-old Bryan D. Bewick, failed to stop at the stop sign at Broadway and turned east, continuing to flee. Still traveling at high speeds, Bewick used the center turn lane to pass other vehicles without regard for anyone's safety. Due to safety concerns and Washington State law severely restricting vehicle pursuits, Sergeant Palmer terminated the pursuit, and Deputy Sullivan turned off his emergency equipment.
Bewick turned north on Bowdish and continued to drive recklessly, without any front or rear lights.
With several Deputies in the area, the truck was observed driving recklessly and without lights several times. Due to Bewick’s continued choice to risk the safety of the public, Sergeant Palmer advised Deputies that spike strips were authorized if a Deputy could position themselves ahead of the truck and safely deploy them.
Deputy T. Ball set up on Pines near Sinto if Bewick traveled that way. A short time later, Bewick turned south on Pines from Maxwell, still without lights. Deputy Ball successfully deployed the spike strips appearing to make contact with at least three of the tires.
Deputy Kullman and his K9 partner Zeus located Bewick driving east on Valley Way from Pines. The vehicle was swerving all over the road in a highly reckless manner. Deputy Kullman obtained permission to attempt to stop the truck again and activated his lights and siren. The truck tires shred apart, throwing pieces into the air as it swerved back and forth. Bewick continued driving recklessly and without any regard for the safety of others, and the pursuit was terminated again.
Bewick almost struck several vehicles because he chose to continue driving recklessly without law enforcement attempting to stop him. Bewick, still without lights on the truck, and his reckless behavior, posed an extreme risk to other motorists and pedestrians, and a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) was authorized. Deputy Kullman caught back up to the truck and successfully performed a PIT maneuver when it was safe. The truck spun into the center median, and although Bewick attempted to flee again, it was pinned in, preventing any escape. Bewick and the adult female passenger were detained. The female was later released at the scene without charges.
The truck's registered owner could not be contacted, and an impound tow was requested due to damage. During an inventory search of the vehicle, Deputy C. Horton located a Glock pistol behind the driver’s seat. The search was stopped, and it was decided a search warrant would be requested.
After being advised of his rights, Bewick said he purchased the truck from a “friend” but would/could not provide a name. He stated he ran because he was in violation of a No Contact Order (female passenger) and because “he could,” knowing law enforcement could not typically pursue him, and denied ownership of any of the property in the vehicle.
A check of Bewick’s criminal history showed he is a 14-time convicted felon and prohibited from legally possessing firearms. He was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Vehicle, Violation of a Domestic Violence Order of Protection, and Reckless Driving. While at the jail, Bewick stated, “I’ll always run from you (expletive)”.
Bewick remains in custody with his bond set at $25,500.
On July 28, 2022, SVIU Detectives obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and located the Glock pistol, over 200 pills believed to contain Fentanyl (aka Mexi’s), and other items of evidentiary value.
This remains an active investigation, and additional charges are expected.
