Spokane man accused of dragging deputy from minivan appears in court

A 49-year-old man accused of fleeing a traffic stop with a Spokane County Sheriff’s deputy clinging to his minivan remains jailed in lieu of $75,000 following a court hearing Monday.

Kurt O. Clinton faces a charge of second-degree assault in connection with Friday’s incident . According to court records, Deputy Matt Ennis pulled over Clinton’s minivan on Gardner Avenue after noticing its front and rear license plates didn’t match and that one was expired.

Clinton gave Ennis a fake name – “Curt O. Quentin” – but the deputy figured out he had a warrant and asked him to step out of the vehicle, according to court records. Clinton responded by starting the engine and Ennis grabbed him, but Clinton began driving away, according to court records.

Ennis reported he jumped on the minivan so he would not be run over. He and a Spokane police officer reported the van reached nearly 30 mph and swerved toward an unmarked police vehicle, nearly knocking off Ennis. After about 100 feet, the deputy jumped off the van, sustaining minor injuries.

Clinton then ran into an apartment where he met his girlfriend and was arrested.

Spokane County Superior Court Commissioner John Stine set Clinton’s bond at $75,000 on Monday. Stine said Clinton’s criminal record includes nine prior felonies and 16 prior misdemeanors.