SPOKANE-- The two men involved in a 3 hour standoff in Otis Orchards appeared in court Thursday.
Deputies said 58-year-old David Galland and 55-year-old Michael Hicks refused to cooperate when authorities attempted to contacted them.
In court Thursday it was learned that the initial call came in from a corrections deputy who thought he was being followed by the suspect’s vehicle. Deputies contacted Hicks who was driving and he refused to talk and or cooperate.
In court Hicks mentioned he has studied law for the last 7 years, but doesn't understand the rights read to people in custody. He said he didn't understand what the judge was saying. Hicks also said in court "he's under common law" and refused to cooperate with the judge.
The judge is requiring Hicks have a mental health examination at Eastern State Hospital. He doesn't believe Hicks is competent to defend himself.
During the first appearance there were extra guards in the room with Hicks.
The judge sets Hicks’ bond at $10,000.
Hicks could face 2 years and 3 months jail and up to $11,000 in fines.
Authorities pulled the men over in a truck just before 2:00 p.m. Wednesday on I-90 near Sullivan Road because of “sovereign plates.” According to the FBI’s website, the sovereign movement is made of citizens who believe that federal, state and local governments operate illegally. Their offenses can include false license plates, licenses or money. When deputies checked the license plates’ numbers, they learned the plates were invalid.
Officers from several local agencies responded. They followed the truck through Liberty Lake and into Otis Orchards. The truck pulled into a circular driveway on Kildea Road in an attempt to turn around, but police blocked it.
The suspects reportedly refused to get out of the vehicle. The Spokane County Sheriff’s Office described both men as uncooperative.
Because police did not know if the suspects were armed, they decided not to approach the truck. This led to a standoff, which required the driveway’s home to be evacuated. Authorities say the suspects were not connected to the homeowners.
Deputies say they ordered the suspects out of the truck and told them they were arrested several times. Authorities called for more reinforcements, including the SWAT Team, to negotiate with the men.
After about three hours, police were able to safely take the suspects out of the vehicle, although deputies said the driver was so difficult authorities ultimately had to cut him out of his seat belt.
Hicks was booked into the Spokane County Jail for Failure to Provide Information, 3rd Degree Driving While License Suspended and Obstructing. He was also cited for Modified or Altered License Plates.
Galland was booked into the jail for Obstructing and Failure to Provide Information.
