SPOKANE VALLEY – On October 18, 2022, at approximately 4:20 pm, Spokane Valley Deputy Heaney and Deputy Ortiz responded to the report of a possible Domestic Violence/Stalking call in the 2900 block of N. Cherry Lane in Spokane Valley.
The victim and her husband explained the victim’s ex-boyfriend (past) had been stalking her and her young daughter, whom they had in common. The suspect, 41-year-old Keith L. Williams, had been watching her and her daughter for weeks. She has custody of her daughter and told Williams if he wanted to see their child, he would need to pursue that in court.
Just prior to calling 911, the victim observed Williams sitting in a vehicle backed into a parking stall that enabled him to view the victim’s bedroom window. She told her husband, and they decided to contact Williams in the parking lot. Due to experience, she knew Williams often carried a firearm despite being a convicted felon, and her husband armed himself for self-defense.
As they approached the car, Williams opened the door and stood in the vehicle’s doorway, holding a pistol. Williams raised the handgun and pointed it at the victim and her husband. Williams demanded to see their daughter, and an argument ensued regarding the parenting situation. At no time did her husband raise or point his firearm at Williams. Both victims feared for their lives and of being shot by Williams. Williams eventually left the parking lot in a white 2005 Infiniti, and they reported the incident.
Deputies responded to the car lot where Williams had reportedly purchased the car. They obtained information regarding the SUV and that it had a temporary tag. They were also told Williams had made statements in the past that he would shoot law enforcement if they came around him.
Deputy Spiewak, Deputy Hood, and Deputy Tyler, with her partner K9 Jäger, arrived in the area of Williams’ home in the 1600 block of E. Sharp Avenue. While approaching the residence on foot, Deputy Spiewak observed a white SUV matching the description of the car Williams was driving. The SUV turned around rapidly and went down a side street. The Deputies returned to their patrol vehicles and began searching the area for the car.
Deputy Spiewak located the vehicle near the intersection of N. Regal Street and E, Mission Avenue, and advised other patrol units that the SUV accelerated rapidly north on Regal, crossing Mission. He activated his emergency lights and siren and advised Williams was fleeing. During the pursuit, a black sedan had to pull completely off the road to avoid being struck by Williams.
As Williams attempted to turn south on N. Fiske Street, he lost control, hit a power pole, and spun, disabling his vehicle.
Believing Williams was armed, Deputy Spiewak maintained behind the cover of his fully marked patrol car and gave orders for Williams to show his hands and to get out of the vehicle. Deputy Spiewak’s attention was diverted to several children and an adult male who ran out from the houses where the crash occurred. Concerned for their safety, he told them to get back and go inside as Williams exited the SUV and ran east, crossing Green Street. Several citizens yelled to arriving Deputies that Williams was running along the river in the thick brush.
Deputy Tyler and partner K9 Jäger arrived as Deputies set up a permitter, with the assistance of Spokane Police Officers, and K9 warnings were given. Shortly after Deputy Tyler and K9 Jäger began a track, SPD perimeter units advised Williams was observed on the southeast side of Mission and Green, running toward Mission. Deputy Sipes drove to the area and toward Williams, now running up the dirt hill toward the railroad tracks. Deputy Sipes gave commands to Williams, who appeared tired, and he complied. He was taken into custody without further incident.
Back at Williams’ vehicle, as Deputies cleared it, they noticed a young toddler in the rear passenger’s seat. The child was frightened but appeared uninjured. A child safety seat was not located in the SUV. The child was provided medical aid to ensure he was not injured. He was transported to the hospital as a precaution for further evaluation.
Williams was advised of his rights, and he agreed to answer questions. Williams admitted to going to his ex-girlfriend’s home to talk to her about their daughter. He said he had been receiving threats from his ex about never seeing his daughter again. The victims beat on his car, and they threatened him. When asked if he drew a pistol, Williams said he was a felon and would not answer further. Williams admitted to fleeing from Deputies but said he didn’t know his son was still in the car. He thought his son went with his mother when he told her to get out and take the child before he fled from Deputies.
A handgun was observed in the vehicle that matched the description provided by the victims. The SUV was seized as evidence pending a search warrant. Williams, a four-time convicted felon (Attempt to Elude, Manufacture/Sales Controlled Substance, Possession of a Controlled Substance without a Prescription, Possession of a Controlled Substance (cocaine-NV), is prohibited from possessing a firearm.
Williams was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Assault 2nd Degree (DV), Assault 2nd Degree, Attempting to Elude Police Vehicle and Reckless Endangerment.
The search warrant was served late this afternoon, and Spokane Valley Investigations Unit (SVIU) Investigators located and seized a loaded (one round in the chamber) Glock 19 9mm pistol, a Glock 19 magazine, and multiple small pills (approximately 200 or more) believed to contain Fentanyl. SVIU Detectives charged Williams with an additional felony of Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
This remains an active investigation, and additional charges are possible.
