SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. – A man was arrested Tuesday afternoon after he allegedly fled the scene of a DUI crash and later confronted a Spokane Valley deputy.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, at around 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 13, deputies responded to a report of a crash involving a car and a motorcycle at the intersection of East Sprague Avenue and North McDonald Road. Deputies said that they were told the motorcyclist, later identified as 38-year-old Kevin Arkell, had caused the accident and fled before emergency responders arrived. A description of the suspect was broadcast to law enforcement.
According to the sheriff’s office, after leaving the police precinct, a deputy spotted a man matching the suspect’s description walking on the sidewalk in front of the station. The deputy activated the patrol car’s emergency lights and tried to make contact with Arkell, who ignored repeated commands to stop.
Deputies said that Arkell allegedly challenged the deputy, yelling and removing his jacket before walking aggressively toward the officer. The deputy then deployed a Taser, ordering Arkell to the ground, but the suspect fled on foot. Additional deputies arrived and gave chase. Arkell eventually tripped and fell, allowing deputies to arrest him after a brief struggle, according to the sheriff’s office.
Deputies reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol on Arkell’s breath, suggesting he was impaired. Breath tests later confirmed he was significantly over the legal limit for alcohol.
Arkell was transported to the Spokane Jail after being medically cleared at the scene. He was booked on charges including third-degree assault, hit-and-run, DUI, operating a vehicle without an interlock device, and resisting arrest.
His bond was set at $5,000.
