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

Sirens & Gavels

Shelter-seeking prowling suspect busted

A man arrested for prowling a car in Spokane Valley had a radio control car with him, and police are trying to find the owner.

Justin Wayne Croson, 27, told the maintenance manager at an apartment complex in the 2400 block of North Cherry Road that he was just sitting in his car when confronted Tuesday, but the manager knew he didn't own the vehicle.

Croson then told sheriff's deputies he was homeless, had fought with his girlfriend and was sitting in the car to get out the rain. He said he didn't know the owner of the car but denied looking through the glove box.

Deputies say the glove box and center console were open, and that the gas-powered radio control car was sitting on the a passenger seat. The vehicle owner said she'd left her car unlocked but that the glove box and console had been closed. She also said the radio control car wasn't hers.

Croson said "his ex-babysitter gave him the radio control car but could not remember his babysitter's name, address or what type of radio control car he was given," according to a news release by Deputy Craig Chamberlin, Spokane County Sheriff's Office spokesman.

Croson was booked into jail on a second-degree vehicle prowling charge. The radio control car is a red, silver and blue Red Cat Volcano S30 valued at $229.  If you can prove you own it, call (509) 477-6612.
 



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