Spokane Valley, WA – A Spokane Valley Deputy arrested a driver early Thursday after a high-speed pursuit involving a stolen Volkswagen that reportedly reached speeds near 100 mph, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.
According to deputies, the incident began around 5:45 a.m. on November 20, 2025, in the 6300 block of E. Broadway Avenue. While conducting crime-prevention patrols, a deputy contacted another driver when a dark-colored Volkswagen Golf with no front license plate pulled in nearby. As the deputy approached, he saw the vehicle’s rear plate and discovered it was registered to a 1988 Acura Integra, not a Volkswagen.
Deputies say the driver—identified as 36-year-old Ryan W. Croson—allegedly fled when the deputy activated his lights and siren. Croson eventually slowed at the Sprague exit but allegedly ignored commands to show his hands and accelerated away, weaving through I-90 traffic without headlights on.
During the pursuit, deputies estimated Croson drove up to 100 mph. A deputy attempted a PIT maneuver near Sprague Avenue, but Croson recovered and continued fleeing before unexpectedly braking, causing damage to both vehicles. After the stop, deputies reported Croson ignored multiple commands until a second deputy arrived.
Investigators later confirmed the Volkswagen had been reported stolen on October 27 in Spokane Valley. The owner told deputies an unknown suspect took the vehicle from his parking lot.
During a search, deputies located a small baggie containing suspected methamphetamine and a glass pipe. Three passengers inside the vehicle were medically evaluated and released without charges.
Croson faces multiple felony charges, including possession of a stolen motor vehicle and attempting to elude a police vehicle. He was booked into the Spokane County Jail with bail set at $15,000.
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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