Spokane County, WA – A stolen Hyundai Sonata was recovered in less than 19 hours after Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies tracked it through an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) camera alert early Wednesday morning.
According to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, the alert came in around 1:57 a.m. on January 14, 2026, indicating the stolen vehicle was traveling south on North Argonne Road near Millwood. Deputies attempted to stop the car, but the driver allegedly fled at a high rate of speed, eventually crashing into a fence along East Longfellow Avenue.
Three suspects wearing dark clothing and face coverings reportedly jumped from the car and ran. Deputies chased one suspect—identified as 20-year-old Malachi King—who was arrested near the 9000 block of East Upriver Drive after a brief foot pursuit.
King was booked into the Spokane County Jail on felony charges of Taking a Motor Vehicle Without Permission (2nd Degree), Burglary (2nd Degree), and a misdemeanor charge of Obstructing.
Authorities confirmed the Hyundai had been reported stolen on January 13. The vehicle’s steering column wires were exposed, and the console was damaged—signs consistent with vehicle theft. Deputies say additional suspects remain at large.
Investigators recovered several items of possible evidentiary value, and the case remains active.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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