SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — A 15-time convicted felon was arrested after he broke into someone’s car, obtained their address, stole a set of house keys, broke into the victim’s home and stole four guns along with many other items. The suspect was released from prison two days after his arrest with the aid of a bail bond company.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO), the victim was playing golf earlier on May 18. When he returned to his car, he realized it had been broken into.
When the victim arrived home, he noticed a key ring containing his house key was missing from his truck. He searched his home and saw that his shop door, garage and multiple drawers were left open. The victim also reported four guns, a wooden box of jewelry and two trout-shaped cufflinks from his father were stolen.
Deputies gathered evidence, including fingerprints, and spoke with the victim’s neighbors, who said a Porsche was in the driveway during the time of the burglary.
SCSO deputies reviewed security footage and saw the Gray Porsche at the golf course and the victim’s home. Around 8:44 a.m., security footage showed the suspect, later identified as 38-year-old Ryan W. Cox, at the golf course opening the victim’s truck and rummaging around before returning to his car and driving away.
At 9:15 a.m., security footage showed Cox pulling into the victim’s driveway, knocking on the door and checking windows. SCSO said Cox was then observed entering the home and, about 20 minutes later, came out with two long guns and multiple other items. Cox returned to his Porsche and drove away.
Using Flock ALPR, deputies located the Porsche near the golf course and learned it was registered to Cox.
Around 7:45 p.m., deputies received an alert that Cox was driving in the Liberty Lake area. Deputies conducted a traffic stop on the corner of East Settler Drive and North Liberty Lake Drive and detained Cox and a woman in the passenger seat.
During a search, deputies found one of the trout-shaped cufflinks in Cox’s jeans. The victim confirmed that the cufflink was stolen in the burglary. Deputies also found a set of keys inside the Porsche matching the description of the victim’s house keys.
Deputies obtained probable cause to charge Cox with residential burglary, four counts of theft of a firearm, second-degree vehicle prowling and third-degree theft. The woman was released with no evidence she was involved in a crime.
Deputies seized the Porsche and many other items. The car was searched after obtaining a search warrant, but the stolen firearms were not found.
On May 19, 2024, Investigators noted Cox is a 15-time convicted felon, including charges of residential burglary, attempting to elude law enforcement, six counts of second-degree possession of stolen property and many more.
On May 20, Cox posted the $7,500 bond with the aid of a bail bond company and was released from prison.
This remains an active investigation and additional charges or arrests are possible.
