ALPR Alert Leads Deputies to Stolen Vehicle and Suspect’s Arrest
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Deputies and Spokane Valley Deputies were alerted to a Real-Time Crime Center (RTCC) Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Alert regarding a reported stolen vehicle. Deputies located the vehicle and detained the driver. After confirming the Jeep was reported stolen, it was returned to the victim/registered owner. The suspect was arrested, and evidence, including theft tools and Methamphetamine, were seized.
On August 20, 2024, at approximately 8:10 pm, a Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) Dispatcher notified patrol units that an RTCC Flock ALPR Alert indicated a reported stolen vehicle was in the Millwood area.
Spokane County and Spokane Valley Deputies began searching the area for the green Jeep Renegade. A Deputy located the vehicle near N. Argonne Road and E. South Riverway Avenue and turned around to pull behind it to conduct a traffic stop.
The Deputy confirmed the license plate, advised SREC of his location, and attempted to make a traffic stop. The driver, later identified as 31-year-old Bruce T. Hoyle, pulled into the parking lot on the southwest corner of Liberty and Argonne.
The Deputy gave commands to Hoyle, who was slow to comply but was eventually detained safely. When Hoyle was informed that he was being detained for a stolen vehicle investigation, he immediately looked to the ground and would not make eye contact. After being advised of his rights, he declined to answer questions.
The Deputy confirmed the VIN matched that of the reported stolen Jeep and learned it was taken from the Bowdish and 24th area in the early morning of August 6, 2024. Deputies contacted the registered owner/victim, and she consented to a search of the Jeep. She then responded to the scene to retrieve her vehicle.
Deputies searched the Jeep and located a small Ziplock baggie containing a white crystalline substance believed to be Methamphetamine. Later, a field test showed a presumptive positive result for Methamphetamine. Deputies also located and seized two large bolt cutters, a bottle with a hose attached, a gas can, and a fanny pack containing gloves, among other items.
A check of Hoyle’s criminal history revealed convictions for multiple drug and property crimes.
After Deputies developed probable cause to arrest Hoyle for Possession of a Stolen Motor Vehicle, Possession of Vehicle Theft/Burglary Tools, and Possession of a Controlled Substance, he was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail.
This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "ALPR Alert Leads Deputies to Stolen Vehicle and Suspect’s Arrest" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7