Knezovich will ask state for $12,000 to pay for search for Western State Hospital escapee

Spokane County Sheriff Ozzie Knezovich will send Governor Jay Inslee a bill for $12,030 this week for the cost of searching earlier this month for escaped Western State Hospital inmate Anthony Garver.

Garver, who is from Spokane County, was at the hospital after being deemed unfit to stand trial for murder. He has escaped from state custody before and was in the minimum security wing of the hospital when he reportedly escaped out of a window.

“This only reflects people who were out on the ground,” Knezovich said of the bill.

The bill is limited to overtime costs and several hours of helicopter flight. Knezovich said he didn’t include costs for command staff, deputies assigned to the intelligence unit and deputies who were on their duty shift while involved in the search.

“I think it’s only right because the state of Washington is at fault,” he said of his reason for asking for reimbursement. “The citizens of Spokane County shouldn’t have to foot the bill for someone else’s mistake.”

Knezovich said he hasn’t heard from Inslee directly, but has heard that his request will be considered.