Rock wielding vandal chases deputy

A man was arrested for allegedly throwing a garden gnome through a window and then chasing a police officer with a large rock, early Thursday morning.

Ian C. Deroetth, 23, allegedly threw a garden gnome through the window of a Newman Lake residence just before 2 a.m., according to court documents. A Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputy located Deroetth near the house, at which point Deroetth picked up a rock “the size of a watermelon” and charged the deputy, according to court documents.

The deputy drove his vehicle in reverse for more than half a block while Deroetth chased him, holding the rock above his head. Deroetth quickly grew tired at which point the officer exited his vehicle with his weapon drawn and arrested Deroetth.

When asked about the window Deroetth said, “I broke the window because the demons made me do it and the government raped me.”

Deroetth was booked into Spokane County Jail on charges of second degree malicious mischief and third degree assault.