(The Center Square) – A Spokane County sheriff’s deputy arrested a six-time convicted felon early Monday morning on suspicion of illegal drug possession and probation violation after he tried to flee on a motorcycle.
Around 1:30 a.m., a deputy was driving north in the 7300 block of Division Street in Spokane when he observed a motorcyclist driving without a license plate. The deputy followed the rider into a business parking lot and conducted a traffic stop.
After observing the deputy, the rider allegedly attempted to flee from the lot but lost control of the bike, which crashed and collided into a brick wall, according to the sheriff’s office.
The rider, later identified as 43-year-old Robby Joe Wahrer, stood up and initially appeared ready to flee on foot but then complied with the deputy’s commands to stop and get back on the ground. Wahrer was taken into custody without further incident.
A records check showed that Wahrer was wanted on a U.S. Marshal’s warrant for probation violation on an original charge of homicide. He was detained for the violation, advised of his rights, and declined to answer questions, according to the report.
A backpack worn by Wahrer was searched incidental to his arrest. Inside, the deputy allegedly found 3,500 pills suspected of containing fentanyl, 155 grams of suspected methamphetamine, 83 grams of suspected cocaine, and 22 grams of suspected heroin, along with $2,100 in cash. Multiple zip-lock bags commonly used in the sale of illegal narcotics were also located.
After medics evaluated Wahrer, he was transported to the Spokane County Jail and booked on the outstanding federal warrant and four counts of illegal possession of a controlled substance with intent to manufacture or deliver.
The sheriff’s office said a check of the motorcycle ridden by Wahrer revealed a “fictitious license plate” that was bent up under the rear fender and unreadable by anyone following the bike.
Wahrer remained jailed following a preliminary appearance Monday afternoon in Spokane County Superior Court. Formal arraignment is scheduled Nov. 7.
