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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Sirens & Gavels

Deputies arrest suspected Spokane Valley burglar

Police say the victim of a recent burglary eyed a suspicious man prowling around a neighbor’s home in Spokane Valley last week.

Spokane County sheriff’s deputies searched the 11200 block of east Aloha Court on Friday afternoon for the alleged suspect but were unable to find him until another neighbor saw the suspect in his backyard, said a news release.

Deputy Walker ran to the home’s backyard and saw the suspect, later identified as 21-year-old Michael G. Mendez, jump a fence.

More deputies responded to the neighborhood and Mendez was located within minutes.

The news release said Mendez had been hiding in the home next door while deputies checked out the original location of the prowling call.

Witnesses told police Mendez hid property under the deck of a home as he ran to hide from police. Deputies recovered that property and believe it is stolen goods.

Mendez was booked into Spokane County Jail for felony residential burglary, three misdemeanor charges for criminal trespass and obstruction of an officer.

He’s to be arraigned next week with a $75,000 bail on his charges.



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