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High-Risk Pursuit with Stop Sticks: Spokane Deputies Nab Felon After Dangerous Chase
June 3, 2025
By: Zach Madden
Category: Customer Stories, Stop Stick Products
High-Risk Pursuit with Stop Sticks: Spokane Deputies Nab Felon After Dangerous Chase
Deputies use spike strips to arrest convicted and wanted felon
High-Risk Pursuit with Stop Sticks:
On May 27, 2025, in Spokane, deputies responded to a critical welfare check and a reported Domestic Violence Order of Protection Violation (DVOPV). The call involved 39-year-old Zachary J. Hawthorne, a known convicted felon. He was allegedly at a protected person’s home, violating a court-issued no-contact order, and driving a black Acura. Authorities were concerned due to Hawthorne’s recent threats to harm himself or force law enforcement into a deadly encounter, and a picture he’d posted of himself with a gun.
Deputies confirmed Hawthorne had an active felony warrant and was indeed prohibited from being within 1,000 feet of the residence. Shortly after, a deputy spotted Hawthorne’s Acura within this restricted zone. When officers attempted to stop him, Hawthorne sped away, initiating a high-speed chase. He reached speeds of 80 mph in a 35 mph zone, driving erratically, leading a supervisor to terminate the pursuit due to safety concerns.
Later, an Automatic License Plate Reader (ALPR) alert helped deputies relocate Hawthorne. A quick-thinking deputy successfully deployed Stop Sticks, deflating the Acura’s tires. Hawthorne initially tried to escape on foot but was apprehended after a brief standoff.
Hawthorne was taken to Spokane County Jail. There, he again violated the protection order by calling the protected person. He now faces multiple new felony charges, including Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Vehicle, two counts of Violation of a Court Order, and Residential Burglary, in addition to his existing Washington DOC warrant.