July 14, 2025
Spokane, Washington- In June, Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) employees arrived at the Washington State Patrol (WSP) Office to report two suspicious individuals who were suspected of vandalizing DOT highway area electrical conduit and electrical boxes. It was determined that highway lighting electrical copper wire had been stolen. Between June 6th and July 8th, numerous DOT electrical boxes were vandalized, and theft of copper wire occurred throughout the Spokane County area along the State highway and Interstate 90 resulting in $168K damage and loss of service to the State of Washington and its citizens. The WSP was assisted in the investigation by multiple law enforcement agencies in the area to include the following: Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, Spokane Airport PD, Airway Heights PD, Spokane Tribal PD and Kalispell Tribal PD. During the investigation, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office assisted the WSP using modern technology, which aided WSP investigators in tracking the suspect vehicle’s movements around Spokane County.
On July 8, 2025, following a surveillance operation, WSP Troopers were able to apprehend two suspects associated with the crime spree. Both suspects were booked into the Spokane County Detention Facility. Pictures of the suspect’s vehicle used during the thefts are included in this release. If anyone has additional information regarding these thefts, contact Detective Steve White Desk (509) 838-9383, or Sergeant Oscar Garcia (509) 528-8381.
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