SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. — The Spokane County Prosecutor's Office has determined that a deputy who used lethal force in the January 10, 2020 shooting of a suspect during a chase through a North Spokane neighborhood was justified.
According to Spokane County Spokesperson Jared Webley, the prosecutor's office determined that deputy Brent Miller was justified in his use of deadly force against Clando Anitok, who he shot and killed after a chase near North Wall Street and West Weile Avenue on January 10.
Miller was attempting to arrest Anitok for eluding during the chase, which started when Anitok allegedly refused to pull over when Miller got behind him with his lights on for a defective head and tail light and an expired registration, according to Webley.
Anitok allegedly began fleeing, going about 50 mph in a 25 mph speed limit zone and driving from one side of the roadway to the other, according to Webley. Anitok then crashed through a fence, Webley said.
According to Webley, Anitok allegedly breifly walked toward Miller and refused to listen to commands before trying to run away. One of the commands from Miller included a warning that Anitok could be shot if he didn't obey commands, after which Miller unsuccessfully tried to tase Anitok, Webley said.
After fleeing, Anitok allegedly attempted to break into a house, during which Miller told him to get on the ground, according to Webley. At this point, Anitok allegedly ignored orders to get on the ground and moved his hands toward his waistband, after which Miller shot and killed him, Webley said.
According to Webley, Anitok was unarmed and had a BAC of .17. Anitok died at the scene.