Auto theft suspect sought

Wed., March 24, 2010

From Staff Reports

A man arrested outside a once-prominent Spokane developer’s home during a lengthy drug investigation is wanted by police.

Shad A. Johnson, 37, didn’t show up for a recent court hearing on charges of first-degree taking a motor vehicle without permission and first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. Now Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for information that leads to his arrest.

Johnson was arrested with a stolen Jeep and a handgun on Jan. 7, 2009, as detectives staked out the Long Lake home of Pinnacle Realty founder Joseph G. Ward. Ward was arrested that day, too, in a Washington State Patrol investigation of a criminal enterprise allegedly operated out of his home. Detectives completed the investigation last fall, but Ward hasn’t been charged. Deputy Prosecutor Shane Smith said recently that his office is still reviewing the case.

Anyone with information on Johnson’s location is asked to call Crime Stoppers at (509) 327-5111 or (800) 222-TIPS.

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