Spokane, WA – Deputies with the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office say a 13-year-old runaway allegedly stole a handgun, forced another juvenile to accompany him, and went on an overnight crime spree that ended in a crash on Interstate 90.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the incident began on December 11 around 5:00 p.m. when staff at a local group home reported two juveniles, ages 9 and 13, as runaways. Deputies began searching the area but were unable to locate them.
Hours later, around 2:15 a.m. on December 12, a black Mazda was reported stolen from a business parking lot on North Thierman Road. Witnesses soon spotted two juveniles walking on West Thorpe Road, one of whom was reportedly armed. Deputies and Airway Heights Police safely detained the younger runaway, while the older teen fled.
Investigators allege the 13-year-old then stole a Glock 23 handgun from a nearby truck before confronting a man, demanding at gunpoint that he get into the stolen Mazda. The suspect crashed the car near the Geiger/Grove Road interchange and fled on foot. Deputies later recovered the firearm about 15–20 feet off the roadway.
The teen was booked into the Spokane County Juvenile Detention Center on charges of first-degree kidnapping, second-degree assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm. Deputies say the investigation remains ongoing as they attempt to locate the owners of the stolen car and weapon.
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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