Investigation reopened in death of bicyclist Ryan Holyk

The Spokane Investigative Regional Response Team, which investigates officer involved shootings and other cases of potential misconduct, has reopened its investigation into the death of 15-year-old Ryan Holyk two years ago.

Recent evidence uncovered by an independent expert shows that the bumper of Deputy Joe Bodman’s police vehicle hit Holyk in the head. Holyk was riding his bike south on Vista Road and ran the red light as Bodman drove west on Sprague Avenue at high speed without his lights and sirens on. Holyk did not have brakes or lights on his bike and was not wearing a helmet.

Several experts had previously said that they did not believe that Bodman’s SUV had hit Holyk even though Holyk’s DNA was found on the bumper. But Jarrod Carter of Origin Forensics came forward last week with report stating that he found an imprint of Holyk’s hat band on the bumper in the area where the DNA was found.

The case is being reopened because of the new evidence, according to a SIRR news release. The Spokane County Prosecutor previously announced that he would reopen his investigation to determine whether Bodman should face criminal charges.

Bodman has already been reprimanded for violating Sheriff’s Office policies by responding to a call at high speed without using his lights and siren.