Watch UAS and Air 1 Video on our YouTube channel or Facebook page
Wanted Convicted Felon Captured with the Assistance of SPD, Air 1, and SWAT
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and Spokane Police Department (SPD) were attempting to locate a wanted convicted felon with a history of recklessly fleeing from law enforcement, placing the public at significant risk. SPD investigators learned of a possible location for him in the Chattaroy area, and due to his history, SWAT, Air 1, UAS Operators, and additional resources responded. Unfortunately, the suspect made it to a vehicle and fled recklessly through fields, returning to the roadway. The suspect drove with reckless abandon despite law enforcement not pursuing him. Air 1 remained overhead and guided ground units to the location where he had stopped, and he was taken into custody.
On the morning of April 30, 2025, Spokane Police Department Investigators learned that a suspect in several SPD and SCSO investigations was believed to be at a residence near E. Denison Chattaroy Road and N. Newport Highway. With the suspect, a convicted felon with a history of trying to evade law enforcement, the Sheriff’s Office SWAT Team, Air 1, UAS Operators, and additional resources responded to assist.
At approximately 12:30 pm, with SWAT and resources staging nearby, Detectives and Deputies approached the residence and tried to quickly establish a perimeter. Unfortunately, the suspect, 33-year-old Jonothan A. Delay, ran out of the back to a car, possibly staged to make a quick escape. He jumped over a pile of dirt and drove through neighboring fields, eventually making his way to Cottonwood Road.
With Air 1 overhead, law enforcement did not pursue, hoping Delay would not drive recklessly and risk the lives of unsuspecting motorists in the area. Unfortunately, Delay chose to disregard his safety and the safety of everyone on the road.
Air 1 continued to provide real-time information, including Delay’s location, which allowed ground units to coordinate without pursuing.
Delay drove to a residence near N. Mill Road and W. Westmoreland Road and tried to hide his vehicle. He then ran into the back of the residence.
Air 1 guided SWAT Team members, SPD and SCSO Investigators, and Patrol Deputies to the location as Air 1 continued their visual. As the first law enforcement vehicles arrived, two SWAT members exited as Delay, again, ran out of the back of the residence and tried to hide behind his parked vehicle and others already at the location.
With several places to conceal himself and ground units with no visual, Air 1 provided Delay’s location and guided SWAT to his location. Delay, apparently determined to escape, tried to avoid being seen, but he could not escape Air 1’s visual. Ground units converged on the location, and he was taken into custody without further incident.
Delay was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail on SPD/SCSO charges of felony charges of Theft of a Motor Vehicle, Attempt to Elude a Police Vehicle, Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, Malicious Mischief 2nd Degree, and a Washington State Department of Corrections Hold. He was also booked on misdemeanor charges of Hit and Run-Attended Vehicle and Driving without a License.
With Delay’s criminal activity being investigated by SPD and SCSO regarding several incidents, additional charges are possible.
###
UAS Operator: C. Giacomini, Deputy, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Air 1 Flight Crew
Pilot: Rob Jones
TFO: J. Karnitz, Sergeant, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
###
This Spokane County Sheriff Office news article "Watch UAS and Air 1 Video" was originally found on https://www.spokanecounty.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?CID=7