Male, Reported to be in Crisis, Appears to have Intentionally Driven a Vehicle into a Wall at the Spokane Valley Mall
Spokane Valley Deputies responded to the report of a vehicle that had crashed through the wall of the Spokane Valley Mall. Through the investigation, Deputies learned the adult male driver was reported to be in crisis and made statements that he planned to drive into a wall. The driver was transported to the hospital for what appeared to be non-life-threatening injuries. Deputies placed an Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) hold on him and completed a charging affidavit requesting a warrant for felony Malicious Mischief 1st Degree. The store manager estimated the damage at $30,000 – $50,000.
On August 28, 2024, at approximately 1:25 am, Spokane Valley Deputies responded to the report of a vehicle that had crashed through a wall of the Spokane Valley Mall on the north side.
While en route, Deputies were also informed that a family member of a male called Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC), reporting the male, said he was driving into a wall, started screaming, and then the line disconnected.
Deputies arrived and observed a Ford Focus had driven through the north wall of the mall. The vehicle was registered to the male who had threatened self-harm, and he was contacted inside the car.
Note: We are not releasing the male’s name at this time because he has not been officially charged or arrested.
Spokane Valley Fire provided medical aid, and the male was transported to the hospital for additional treatment and evaluation.
The store manager was contacted, and he estimated the damage to be approximately $30,000 – $50,000.
Due to the statements made by the male before the crash and with additional information learned during the investigation, Deputies placed an ITA hold on the male to ensure he receives mental health treatment before he can be released.
Deputies contacted the male at the hospital, and he refused to answer questions after being advised of his rights.
Although Deputies established probable cause to charge the male with Malicious Mischief 1st Degree, a warrant was requested, and he was not immediately arrested, allowing him to receive medical treatment.
This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "Male, Reported to be in Crisis, Appears to have Intentionally Driven a Vehicle into a Wall at Mall" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7