News Flash

Caught in the Act, Burglary Suspect Arrested 

Spokane Valley Deputies responded to an alarm at an E. Sprague business, observing a damaged door and a male suspect inside.  After a short foot pursuit, the suspect was safely taken into custody.   Deputies learned he caused over an estimated $20,000 in damages during the incident.  The suspect was booked into the Spokane County Jail for Burglary 2^nd Degree, Malicious Mischief 1^st Degree, and Theft 3^rd Degree.  

On January 6, 2023, at approximately 4:30 am., Spokane Valley Deputy J. Korpi responded to Déjà Vu, 8722 E. Sprague Avenue, for the report of a burglary alarm.  As he arrived, he noticed the front door had been smashed, and the door frame was damaged.  

While waiting for additional units, Deputy Korpi observed a male, later identified as 20-year-old Cesar A. Ruiz, appear at the damaged door.  Ruiz turned and ran back into the building despite Deputy Korpi’s commands to stop.  

Deputy Korpi advised responding Deputies of Ruiz’s description and that he was fleeing, probably toward the south end of the location.  Deputy D. Wert observed Ruiz fleeing from the back of the location as he arrived and provided an update via his radio.  

Deputy Korpi and Deputy C. Kyle confronted Ruiz on the north side of the building and safely took him into custody.  

As the investigation continued, Deputies learned Ruiz caused over an estimated $20,000 worth of damages during his failed burglary attempt.  Ruiz’s vehicle, a Jeep Liberty, was located at the scene and seized as evidence, pending a search warrant.

Ruiz was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Burglary 1^st Degree, Malicious Mischief 1^st Degree, both felonies, and Theft 3^rd Degree, a misdemeanor.  After his appearance in Spokane County Superior Court, he was released on his own recognizance by Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner J. Stine.   

Spokane Valley Investigative Unit (SVIU) Detectives obtained a search warrant and collected evidence from the vehicle.

This remains an active investigation, and additional charges are possible.