Two suspects, Dallas E. Ricks and Crystal L. Gardner, were arrested on felony charges in Spokane on August 8, 2026, for fraudulently using a stolen credit card belonging to victims displaced by the Eagle Rock Apartment fire. According to Spokane County law enforcement records, the suspects also allegedly stole a computer from the fire-damaged residence.
The Anatomy of Post-Disaster Exploitation in Local Commerce
On July 31, 2026, displaced residents received bank alerts regarding unauthorized transactions totaling over $680.00 at local retail stores. These charges followed a residential burglary at an apartment impacted by the July 26 Eagle Rock Apartment fire in Spokane Valley, according to Spokane County reports.
Here is the math: beyond the immediate $680 in fraudulent credit card charges, victims reported a missing computer valued at approximately $500.00.
The Bottom Line
Arrest Timeline: Spokane Valley deputies detained 41-year-old Dallas E. Ricks and 44-year-old Crystal L. Gardner on August 8, 2026, following a targeted patrol observation near N. Pines Road.
Specific Charges: Both suspects face felony counts including Identity Theft 2nd Degree and Possession of Stolen Property 2nd Degree, alongside misdemeanor theft charges.
Judicial Status: Following their appearance in Spokane County Superior Court on August 10, 2026, both individuals were released on their own recognizance pending further investigation.
Surveillance Footprint and Law Enforcement Response
After the victims reported the unauthorized retail charges, Spokane Valley deputies pulled transaction video footage from local merchants where the card was swiped. This evidence generated probable cause, allowing patrol units to identify the suspects and their vehicle—a white Chevrolet Colorado.
On August 8 at approximately 2:40 AM, a deputy recognized the white SUV at a gas station located in the 2100 block of N. Pines Road. According to Spokane County officials, the suspects were detained without incident. During questioning, both individuals admitted they lacked authorization to possess or use the victim’s payment card. Authorities seized the Chevrolet Colorado as evidence pending a search warrant.
| Incident Parameter | Recorded Detail |
|---|---|
| Fire Incident Date | July 26, 2026 (Eagle Rock Apartment Fire) |
| Fraudulent Charges Total | Exceeding $680.00 |
| Stolen Hardware Value | Approximately $500.00 (Computer) |
| Arrest Date | August 8, 2026 |
| Court Release Date | August 10, 2026 (Released on Own Recognizance) |
Market Surveillance and Retail Vulnerability
As the investigation remains active, law enforcement noted that additional charges or arrests remain possible as forensic examination of the seized vehicle proceeds.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice.
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