Suspect Arrested After Attempting to Steal an Occupied Car
and Unlawfully Entering an Occupied Home
Spokane Valley Deputies responded to the report of an unknown male attempting to enter people’s cars and steal them. Arriving Deputies located the suspect and, through their investigation, learned the suspect tried to enter/steal several vehicles and had unlawfully entered an occupied residence. After being medically cleared, the suspect was booked into jail.
On July 14, 2025, just before 1:00 pm, Spokane Valley Deputies responded to reports of a male attempting to get into people’s cars in the 700 block of N. Evergreen Road.
A caller reported that a male got into the driver’s seat of a female’s car while she was filling up with gas. Other callers reported that the suspect had entered several vehicles, but none were stolen. Another complainant advised that the suspect was possibly armed with a firearm. The suspect was last seen running west on Broadway Avenue.
Witnesses told the first Deputy to arrive that the suspect was in the yard of a residence in the 13700 block of E. Broadway Avenue and may have entered a residence.
The Deputy located the suspect, later identified as 43-year-old Brett W. Schillinger, near the backyard of a home. Schillinger, sweating profusely, noticed the Deputy and began walking toward him, saying, “Help me.”
Not knowing if Schillinger was armed with a gun as reported, the Deputy told Schillinger that he was detained and to get on the ground. Schillinger ignored initial commands and continued to advance toward the Deputy. Believing Schillinger may try to run or become assaultive, the Deputy drew his Taser, repeated his commands, and warned the suspect that force would be used if he continued to ignore instructions. Thankfully, Schillinger made the correct choice, followed directions, and was safely taken into custody.
Through their investigation, Deputies learned:
At one point, Schillinger opened a victim’s door, grabbed her arm, and attempted to pull her from the vehicle, while telling her, “Give me your car now! I need your car!” He also said that someone was trying to kill him. The assault and attempted robbery continued until two Good Samaritans intervened, causing Schillinger to run away. The victim told Deputies that she was afraid Schillinger was going to hurt her if she didn’t give him the vehicle.
A second victim reported that he was home when he heard a male’s voice and found Schillinger inside his residence. He told Deputies he had never met Schillinger and that he had entered his house without permission.
Witnesses gave statements confirming similar accounts of Schillinger’s actions.
Schillinger was advised of his rights and agreed to answer questions. He told Deputies he tried to take the vehicles because he believed people were trying to kill him. When asked how many cars he had attempted to enter, Schillinger said, “Every one I could,” estimating five. He also admitted to entering a victim’s home without permission and that he knew it was illegal to do so.
Following the investigation, Deputies developed probable cause to arrest Schillinger for Attempted Robbery 2nd Degree and Residential Burglary. Schillinger was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail on these charges.
This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "Suspect Arrested After Attempting to Steal an Occupied Car and Unlawfully Entering an Occupied Home" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7