It's never a good idea to run from deputies, but it's an especially bad idea to try to run from deputies on a scooter with a maximum speed of 35 mph. Austin M. Bailey, 21, learned that lesson the hard way early Tuesday morning.
Just before 1 a.m., Spokane Valley deputy Logan Henry saw a man sitting in the dark outside of a closed business on S. Bowdish, just south of Sprague Ave. As the deputy approached the man, later identified as Bailey, he jumped onto a motorized scooter and took off south on Bowdish.
Deputy Henry gave chase, but Bailey didn't stop. He turned west on Appleway Trail as additional deputies responded for backup.
Deputy Wakem responded to University and the Appleway Trail in an attempt to get ahead of the scooter. When he arrived in the area, deputies say Bailey went south on University and probably turned west on 4th Avenue. Deputy Wakem turned on 4th and found Bailey had turned around and was now headed toward his patrol car. When Bailey spotted the car, he turned around again and the chase continued.
Eventually Deputy Wakem pulled in front of Bailey on his scooter and got out of the car in time to see Bailey ditch the scooter and take off on foot across 4th toward a senior center and several houses. Deputy Wakem told him to stop and then gave chase on foot. Bailey stopped, turned back toward the deputy and put his hands up in what appeared to be a fighting stance. Deputy Wakem took Bailey to the ground and with the assistance of other deputies, and then took Bailey into custody.
Bailey was advised of his rights and then he told deputies he ran because he knew he had warrants out for his arrest. A check of his named confirmed warrants for drug and theft charges.
Bailey was provided medical attention before he was booked into Spokane County Jail for the warrants and new charges of attempting to elude a police vehicle and obstructing.
Deputies seized the scooter, a BladeZ 40cc, as evidence.
(story: Matt Pusatory, KHQ Local News Web Producer; image: KHQ.com)