02/21/2021
Deputy was in pursuit of a fleeing Vehicle, until Trent and Freya where suspect crashed into multiple vehicles. Driver was placed in custody and escaleted use of force was used. Injuries were reported at the crash scene. Spoakne Fire , and Valley Engine 6 responded for Extraction of occupant sof one of the vehicles.
Spokane Valley Traffic Unit Investigators responded to the intersection of Trent and Freya to investigate and collect evidence at the scene of a multicar crash. The crash was caused by a wanted suspect who fled in a truck from the scene of a possible theft in the 5600 block of E. Sprague. After a short pursuit, the Deputy self-terminated when the suspect, who had several warrants for his arrest (felony/misdemeanor charges), drove into oncoming lanes of travel on Trent, approaching Freya. The suspect continued his reckless behavior, ran the red light at the intersection, and causing a crash, which involved three additional cars. Without any apparent care for the injuries he may have caused, the suspect fled on foot. He was tackled by an employee of a nearby business and then fought with the Deputy as he was taken into custody.
Two people traveling in vehicles involved in the crash caused by the suspect were transported to the hospital for further evaluation after sustaining what appeared to be minor injuries.
The suspect, 35-year-old Burk T. Simonson, was wanted for a felony Washington State Department of Corrections Escape Community Custody warrant (original charge of Criminal Mischief while Armed with a Weapon) and additional warrants for several felony and misdemeanor charges to include, Fraud, ID Theft, Robbery, Theft, and Driving while Suspended. He was transported to the hospital for what appeared to be minor/moderate injuries. Once released, he faces several new felony charges in addition to his confirmed warrants.
The incident began on February 20, 2021, at approximately 1:45 pm., when a Spokane Valley Deputy observed a possible theft suspect leaving in a truck from a parking lot in the 5600 block of E. Sprague. The suspect, Simonson, immediately fled in the vehicle. The Deputy activated his emergency lights and siren as the pursuit traveled north on Havana from Sprague. With little to no traffic, the pursuit continued northbound to Trent, where Simonson turned west.
As Simonson approached Freya, he drove into oncoming lanes of travel. Due to obvious safety concerns for the public caused by Simonson’s reckless behavior, the Deputy self-terminated the pursuit.
Moments later, Simonson ran the red light at Trent and Freya, causing several cars to collide. One vehicle was pushed into a power pole, causing it to break and fall to the ground. At least three vehicles, in addition to Simonson’s, were reported to be involved.
Without any apparent regard for the members of the public he may have injured, Simonson jumped out of his wrecked vehicle and fled on foot. An employee of a nearby business noticed Simonson running away from the Deputy and tackled Simonson. The Deputy arrived quickly and attempted to place Simonson in handcuffs, but he resisted. After a short struggle, Simonson was taken into custody.
Spokane Fire and AMR medical personnel arrived and transported two people who appeared to have minor injuries to the hospital for further evaluation. Avista crews also responded to help with the downed powerlines and replace the broken power pole.
Simonson was transported to the hospital for what appeared to be minor/moderate injuries and further evaluation. After he is medically cleared, he faces several new felony charges stemming from this incident in addition to his felony/misdemeanor warrants.
Corporal Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff's Office
Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer
