Deputies Locate a Reported Stolen Vehicle and Arrest the Driver After Receiving an Automated License Plate Reader Alert
Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies located a reported stolen vehicle after receiving a Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Alert. Deputies found the stolen vehicle parked at the gas pumps of a business in the 4300 block of S. Regal Street. The driver was identified, detained during an investigation, and later arrested for Taking a Motor Vehicle without Permission and an unrelated active felony warrant. During a search, Deputies found suspected Methamphetamine in the suspect’s pocket.
On February 8, 2025, at approximately 2:20 am, a Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) Communications Officer advised Deputies of an RTCC ALPR stolen vehicle alert regarding a vehicle traveling northbound in the 5600 block of the S. Palouse Hwy.
Approximately six minutes later, a Sheriff’s Deputy located the vehicle parked at the gas pumps of a business in the 4300 block of S. Palouse Hwy. and confirmed the license plate to ensure it was the reported stolen car.
With additional Deputies assisting, they detained two adult males and one adult female associated with the reported stolen vehicle.
Through the investigation, the suspect/driver of the vehicle was identified as 49-year-old Jason F. Layne, the son of the victim. At the time the car was reported stolen, a Spokane Police Officer identified Layne as a possible suspect and established probable cause to charge Layne with Taking a Motor Vehicle without Permission.
Deputies determined they did not have probable cause to charge the second adult male with a crime, and he was released.
Deputies also determined they did not have probable cause to charge the adult female with a crime, and she was released at the scene. Per the victim’s request, the vehicle was released to the female, with instructions to return it to her immediately.
During a search of Layne, Deputies found a plastic zip lock baggie containing a white crystalline substance, believed to be Methamphetamine, in his pockets. Layne was advised of his rights, and he agreed to answer questions. He said he borrowed his mom’s car approximately five days ago, had not had contact with her since then, and did not know she had reported it stolen. He struggles with drug use, and he admitted the baggie and crystalline substance, which he identified as Methamphetamine, belonged to him.
Layne was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Taking a Motor Vehicle without Permission and an unrelated Washington State Department of Corrections felony warrant. He was issued a criminal citation for Knowingly Possessing a Controlled Substance.
This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "Deputies Locate a Reported Stolen Vehicle and Arrest the Driver After Receiving an ALPR Alert" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7