Spokane7
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December 21, 2010 in City
Patrol car strikes fleeing suspect
Spokane police accidentally caught a man suspected of robbing the downtown Nordstrom on Monday evening.
A passing patrol car struck the alleged robber as he darted across Main Avenue shortly before 5 p.m. while being chased by a Nordstrom security officer, said Major Crimes Sgt. Mark Griffiths.
The suspect, identified as Gavin D. Wolf, 24, suffered a leg injury and was taken to a local hospital. “It was completely coincidental. (Nordstrom) hadn’t called us yet,” Griffiths said.
Wolf, who was wanted on a Department of Corrections warrant, was expected to be booked into jail on a robbery charge after being released from the hospital. Although the robber never displayed a weapon, he used force when confronted by a security guard, police said, fleeing with a bag of clothing and other items found near Wolf at the accident scene.
The police car was driven by Officer Joe Denton. Griffiths said Denton and the Nordstrom security officer reported that Wolf was outside the crosswalk at Lincoln Street, which had a “Don’t Walk” sign at the time he was hit.
Jonathan Brunt
Sex trafficking suspects released as probe continues 
chungboyd on December 21 at 2:15 a.m.
Let me say that the “United Forensic College” is the friendliest, most helpful and accessible college out there right now. The Criminal Justice curriculum isn’t going to overwhelm you.
TheRoyLarsen on December 21 at 5:49 a.m.
Dear chungboyd,
I’m sure it is. How fast was the patrol car going when it hit you?
Elkay on December 21 at 7:05 a.m.
I heard a bag of women’s makeup was stolen as well.
I can’t imagine why a guy would want that (unless he’s unattractive maybe?).
bszottlinger on December 21 at 9:20 a.m.
TRL:
It’s about time you guys did something about the jaywalkers and jayrunners in Downtown Spokane. Good Job!
Elkay:
You got a problem with men trying to improve their looks?
misjustice on December 21 at 9:33 a.m.
Maybe he was just embracing his feminine side?
; )
Elkay on December 21 at 9:51 a.m.
@ Brad,
Nah. I endorse improving one’s looks. In fact, I’m 10 lbs. lighter and don’t have to lay down on my bed to button my Levi’s! (Yay)
@ Mis J,
I think you nailed it!
EdubU on December 21 at 2:57 p.m.
People like this alternative better than shooting the suspects. Folks aren’t as worked up about this. Plus how would you like to be the lady receiving gifts from this rocket scentist. Here honey Merry Christmas, you’ll visit me in jail right??????
lewis8457 on December 21 at 10:02 p.m.
The SPD is running out of bullets but they have plenty off patrol cars, and they can use those over and over.
Poor guy, just plain dumb luck.
I wonder if they put the officer on paid leave?