Washingtoner - Spokane: Man Arrested for Crime Spree Including Carjacking and Kidnapping

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~ Spokane, WA - On the evening of July 5th, a series of crimes occurred in Spokane that left several people injured and terrified. The incident began just after 6pm when a woman reported a carjacking at a fast food restaurant in the downtown area. According to the victim, she was in the drive-thru when a man threw a rock at her car, striking her and demanding that she get out of the vehicle. Fearing for her safety, the woman complied with the suspect's demands.

The Spokane Police Department responded to the scene and began their investigation. Through witness statements and evidence gathered at the scene, officers were able to determine a suspect description and immediately put out an alert to other officers in the area. A short time later, the stolen vehicle was spotted on the South Hill near Southeast Blvd and 17th Ave.

Officers attempted to stop the suspect, but he refused to comply and instead drove recklessly at high speeds. The pursuit was eventually terminated due to safety concerns for both officers and other drivers on the road. However, just moments later, a citizen called in a suspicious vehicle in the 3000 block of E. 28th Ave.

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Upon further investigation, it was confirmed that this was indeed the stolen vehicle from earlier. A K-9 unit was deployed to track down the suspect while officers continued their search for him. During this time, another call came in reporting an attempted kidnapping in progress in the 3100 block of Mt. Vernon.

According to witnesses, a male matching the description of the carjacking suspect had tried to kidnap a young girl who was playing outside with her friend. Fortunately, an alert citizen intervened and rescued the victim before chasing off the suspect. The young girl expressed her fear that she would never see her family again.

As police were speaking with witnesses and gathering information about this incident, another call came in reporting an attempted burglary in the 2600 block of E. 33rd. The suspect, who matched the description of the carjacking and kidnapping suspect, had fled the scene with stolen items in a pillowcase.

A K-9 unit was once again deployed and with the help of drones, officers were able to locate the suspect in the area of 37th and Mt. Vernon. The suspect, identified as Daniel J. Pajas (38), was taken into custody after a brief struggle that left an officer injured. Pajas also set fire to a shed next to a home in the 3500 block of S. Smith before being apprehended.

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The crime spree lasted for an hour and a half, causing injuries to multiple people including officers, terrorizing several individuals, damaging property, and requiring significant police resources to contain. However, thanks to the exceptional work of law enforcement and assistance from community members and witnesses, this incident did not have a more tragic outcome.

In addition to these evening crimes, Pajas was also charged for a burglary that occurred earlier in the day around noon in North Spokane. Jewelry and cash were reported stolen from a residence on North Crescent Ave. The suspect description matched that of Pajas and he now faces a total of 13 charges including robbery/carjacking, kidnapping, arson, assault, burglary, eluding police vehicle, theft, and malicious mischief.

Pajas is currently being held at Spokane County Jail on a half million dollar bond. The Spokane Police Department would like to thank all those who assisted in bringing this dangerous criminal to justice.

Attached photos include one of Pajas' arrest (Photo 1), officers returning stolen property to its rightful owner (Photo 2), items taken during the residential burglary (Photo 3), and the burned shed caused by Pajas (Photo 4). These photos serve as evidence of the extensive damage caused by Pajas' crime spree and highlight the hard work and dedication of law enforcement in solving these cases.

Filed Under: Government, City

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