Spokane man arrested for impersonating law enforcement in Kittitas County

July 20, 2026 Updated Mon., July 20, 2026 at 5:36 p.m.

By Megan Howard meganh@spokesman.com (509) 459-5401

A Spokane man was arrested in Kittitas County for allegedly impersonating a law enforcement officer.

Callers in Grant County reported on July 3 a black Ford Explorer heading toward Kittitas County on Interstate 90 with emergency lights and other equipment was pulling over drivers, officials said. A second SUV without emergency lights was also reported. The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office seized a black Ford Explorer and its driver in Ellensburg.

Ethan Denmark, a 20-year-old Spokane resident, was arrested on suspicion of criminal impersonation, Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office spokesman Chris Whitsett said. He was released on bail July 6. The driver of the second car was released, as officers had no probable cause.

The sheriff is asking anyone who may have seen the black SUVs pulling over vehicles, or who was pulled over, to call Kittcom at 509-925-8534 and provide information to Deputy Logan Nicholson.

Local journalism is essential.

Give directly to The Spokesman-Review's Northwest Passages community forums series -- which helps to offset the costs of several reporter and editor positions at the newspaper -- by using the easy options below. Gifts processed in this system are tax deductible.

Meet Our Journalists

Jesse Tinsley

Meet Jesse Tinsley. As a certified drone pilot, this veteran Spokesman-Review photographer often can be seen capturing beautiful aerial photographs of our region. Sometimes though, the job requires getting down with the dogs.
Jim Meehan

Jim Meehan is no stranger to Zag Nation. As the lead writer covering the Gonzaga men’s basketball team, he tells the stories behind the game and gets fans a bit closer to their favorite players.
Molly Quinn

There is no artist in Spokane like Molly Quinn. Her whimsical style is instantly recognizable to readers of The Spokesman-Review. She has painted gorgeous illustrations that instantly elevate the journalism accompanying it. She brings to life the stories that defy photography. She makes our pages better.
Rob Curley

Spokesman-Review editor Rob Curley loves to talk with people and learn about their lives, whether it's a best-selling author or a stranger he meets downtown on his walk to lunch. It's that inquisitive nature combined with a playful sense of storytelling that helps make our newspaper different than most.

Spokane man arrested for impersonating law enforcement in Kittitas County

Jesse Tinsley

Jim Meehan

Molly Quinn

Rob Curley

'It was like heaven': Historic Spokane Rifle Club among 900 structures razed in Spokane complex fires

Firefighters ride out Old Trails inferno in Spokane neighborhood: 'We make our stand here'

What was lost, what was saved: Businesses, churches and other facilities in path of Old Trails fire