Spokane Valley Sheriff’s Deputies arrested 25-year-old Colton P. Kilgallen and 21-year-old Denise R. Mertins after a pursuit in Spokane Valley on Friday. After Kilgallen and Mertins were safely taken into custody, a search warrant was obtained for the vehicle Kilgallen was driving, resulting in the recovery of Methamphetamine, Heroin, a BB Gun and Drug Paraphernalia.
On November 4, 2016 at approximately 5:25 p.m., Deputies responded to a report of a male with a gun and methamphetamine in a white Dodge Durango at the Motel 6 located at 1919 N. Hutchinson.
Corporal Jeff Thurman arrived in the area almost immediately and observed a white Durango leaving the parking lot. The Durango, driven by Kilgallen, accelerated rapidly as it passed Corporal Thurman. Corporal Thurman activated his emergency lights and siren but Kilgallen failed to stop and accelerated rapidly as he attempted to flee.
Kilgallen turned onto the I-90 on ramp westbound as Corporal Thurman moved in to attempt a PIT maneuver and safely end the pursuit. As he did, he observed an object in Kilgallen’s right hand that looked similar to a black colored handgun. Corporal Thurman successfully conducted a PIT maneuver but Kilgallen continued to flee before his escape could be blocked.
Kilgallen led pursing deputies south on Argonne. Deputies attempted additional PIT maneuvers but Kilgallen would either block the attempt or flee before his escape route could be blocked.
In the area of 8th and Sunderland, Corporal Thurman successfully conducted a PIT maneuver ending the pursuit.
Initially, Kilgallen started reaching around and kept his hands out of view despite commands to show his hands. After a few tense moments, Kilgallen followed commands allowing deputies to safely take him and Mertins into custody.
After a search warrant was obtained for the vehicle, deputies recovered Methamphetamine, Heroin, a black/silver BB Gun and Drug Paraphernalia.
Kilgallen was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Attempting to Elude a Pursuing Police Vehicle, Possession of Controlled Substances and a Washington State Department of Corrections felony warrant.
Mertins was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for three misdemeanor warrants.