SPOKANE, Wash. — A man found hiding under a tarp was arrested on Tuesday after multiple attempts to flee from law enforcement.
On Feb. 27, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) responded to a domestic violence incident around 11:25 p.m. When deputies arrived, the boyfriend involved fled the scene.
Through an investigation, probable cause was developed to charge Patrick A. Paterson, 32, with fourth-degree assault, interfering with the reporting of domestic violence and felony harassment. A warrant was requested, and deputies cleared the scene.
Around 2:05 p.m., a deputy drove through the area to find Paterson and see if his vehicle was still at the original scene. The deputy noticed a man walking through a field matching his description.
The deputy tried to speak with the man as he walked up the victim’s driveway. The man, later identified as Paterson, fled again, running through a thick wooded area.
Additional deputies were called to assist in the search for Paterson. Officers from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), Washington State Patrol Troopers and Spokane County Emergency Communications (SREC) dispatchers also responded.
A perimeter was established, and several PA announcements were made for the suspect to surrender peacefully. He was advised that a K9 and an Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) were being used.
Around 2:50 p.m., a WDFW UAS operator advised officers of a heat source under a tarp. The K9 unit was led to the area and identified Paterson under the tarp.
Additional commands were given, and Patterson surrendered without further incident.
Paterson was booked into the Spokane County Jail for fourth-degree assault, interfering with the reporting of domestic violence, felony harassment and three unrelated misdemeanor warrants for third-degree theft and two counts of known possession of a controlled substance.
