Laslo takes down felon fleeing police

A Spokane County Sheriff’s Office K-9 and a deputy caught a convicted felon about 11 p.m. Thursday after a high speed car and foot chase in Spokane Valley. Deputy Jeff Thurman was near Sprague Avenue and Tschirley Road when he noticed a white Toyota with studded tires on, according to court documents. Thurman attempted to pull the vehicle over and it sped west on Sprague and north on Flora. At one point during the pursuit the Toyota hit the curb, flattening one of the front tires. The driver was making “furtive movements” while he drove, court documents say. The car stopped in the 17100 block of East Cataldo and the driver, identified as Michael Yankey, 38, ran away. Thurman’s K-9, Laslo, bit Yankey to bring him to a stop. A rifle was found in the back seat of the vehicle, but Yankey reportedly told police that it belonged to his father and didn’t function. Yankey was ordered held on $25,000 bond during a brief court appearance Friday based on his extensive criminal history in Washington, Idaho and Montana.