SCIU Detectives Arrest 23-Time Convicted Felon and Recover Over $150,000 Worth of Stolen Equipment Belonging to the Victimized Business
Spokane County Investigative Unit (SCIU) identified and arrested a 23-time convicted felon on several felony charges Tuesday afternoon. They also recovered over $150,000 in stolen property taken during a burglary and returned it to the victimized business. This multifaceted SCIU investigation utilized information gained from the Real-Time Crime Center’s Flock Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR), the Sheriff’s Forensic Unit, Spokane Police Officers/SWAT/Detectives and Deputies, which led to the suspect’s arrest and the significant recovery of stolen property by SCIU Detectives.
This remains an active investigation, and additional arrests and charges are possible.
On June 10, 2024, an employee of Wemco Manufacturing, 5510 W. Thorpe Road, reported that the business had been burglarized, and a large number of tools, equipment, parts, a Ford F550, and other high-value items had been stolen.
Deputies learned the suspect(s) drove a Dodge Ram through the fence/gate to gain access to the property. During an initial search, Deputies located some of the stolen property on the ground and a license plate that appeared to have been dislodged from the suspect’s vehicle when it crashed through the fence/gate.
A license plate check showed it registered to a 2014 Dodge truck. The information was entered into the Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) Flock ALPR system, and through evidence at the scene, the Dodge was identified as a possible suspect vehicle. SCIU Investigators requested an ALPR alert be entered to have the Dodge stopped and seized as evidence pending a search warrant.
Later that evening, Spokane Police Officers responded to the ALPR alert and located the vehicle on W. Whistalks Way, near SFCC. The driver was identified as 36-year-old Matthew R. Dobson, and the Dodge was seized pending a search warrant. At this early stage of the SCIU burglary investigation, probable cause to charge Dobson in connection to the burglary had not been established by Detectives. However, he was arrested and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Driving while Suspended/Revoked 1st Degree. But, per an agreement approved by the Municipal/District Court, this charge qualified him to be released on his own recognizance due to the Critical Jail Status (jail overcrowding/population), and he was released.
In the following days, as the investigation continued, SCIU Detectives gained information and evidence, leading to several search warrants and the recovery of stolen property.
On June 21, 2024, SCIU Detectives obtained an additional search warrant for a residence in the 5100 block of N. Stevens Street, which was served with the assistance of Spokane Police SWAT. SCIU Detectives located dozens of stolen items, immediately identified by distinctive markings/engravings, taken during the Wemco burglary.
With additional information and evidence, SCIU Detectives developed probable cause to arrest Dobson, a 23-time convicted felon, for several new felony charges in connection to the Wemco burglary. (Convictions include ten burglary charges, three possession of stolen property charges, and theft of a motor vehicle)
On the evening of June 25, 2024, SCIU Detectives located Dobson in the 13600 block of W. 6th Avenue in Airway Heights. Deputies established a perimeter and gave warnings, including the possible use of K9s, while advising Dobson to surrender. Soon after, Dodson chose correctly, surrendered, and was taken into custody without incident.
Dobson was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Burglary 2nd Degree, Theft 1st Degree, Malicious Mischief 2nd Degree, and Theft of a Motor Vehicle. Following his first appearance hearing, Dobson’s total bond was set at $20,000 by Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner E. Cruz, and Dobson remains in custody at the time of this release.
To date, SCIU Detectives have recovered and returned approximately $150,000 worth of tools, equipment, and the stolen Ford F550 back to Wemco Manufacturing.
This remains an active investigation, and additional charges/arrests are possible.
This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "SCIU Detectives Arrest 23-Time Convicted Felon and Recover Over $150,000 Worth of Stolen Equipment" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7