Bike Stop for Traffic Violation Ends with Arrest of Wanted Felon, and Recovery of Stolen Property, Including the Bicycle
A Spokane Valley Deputy attempted to stop a bicycle rider for a traffic violation, but the rider tried to flee. The suspect eventually ditched the bike and tried to escape on foot with the Deputy giving chase. The suspect was quickly captured and placed in handcuffs. He was found to be a convicted felon and had an active Washington State Department of Corrections felony warrant for his arrest. Deputies determined several items in the suspect’s possession, including the bicycle he was riding, were stolen.
On July 28, 2025, at approximately 10:45 pm, a Spokane Valley Deputy, driving a fully marked patrol car, observed a male, later identified as 27-year-old Joshua A. Helliwell, riding a bicycle on E. Broadway Avenue west of N. Burns Road.
The Deputy attempted to stop Helliwell for an equipment violation. But Helliwell looked at the patrol car with its emergency lights activated, and instead of stopping, he continued north on Burns Road. The Deputy activated his siren, and Helliwell increased his speed in an apparent attempt to escape.
Suddenly, Helliwell switched direction and began traveling south on Burns Road, crossed Broadway Avenue, and rode into the driveway of a residence in the 700 block of N. Burns. He got off the bike and ran into the backyard, with the Deputy chasing on foot, ordering Helliwell to stop.
Helliwell jumped over a fence and entered another backyard. When the Deputy cleared the fence, he noticed Helliwell had gone to the ground and was lying in a prone position. The Deputy quickly took him into custody without further incident.
As they walked back to the awaiting patrol car, Helliwell spontaneously uttered something to the effect that he just needed some clothes. A check of his name revealed an active Washington State Department of Corrections Escape Community Custody felony warrant for his arrest. (Original charge: Retail Theft with Special Circumstances)
The Mongoose BMX bicycle he was riding, valued at $310.00, had been reported stolen on July 22, 2025.
Helliwell was advised of his rights, and he agreed to answer questions. He stated he didn’t initially stop for the Deputy because he had just stolen some clothes and knew he had warrants. He also admitted to stealing the bicycle he was riding.
Deputies confirmed the clothing items, still with store packaging and tags, totaled just over $190.00.
Helliwell was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for his felony warrant, two counts of Theft 3rd Degree, and Obstructing Law Enforcement. He was also issued a traffic infraction for the equipment violation.
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This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "Bike Stop for Traffic Violation Ends with Arrest of Wanted Felon, and Recovery of Stolen Property," was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7