Wanted Man Arrested on 17 Felony Child Sexual Assault Charges in Spokane Valley

ALPR alert led deputies to the suspect, who was armed and made threats of self-harm before being taken into custody

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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A 36-year-old man wanted on 17 felony child sexual assault charges was arrested in Spokane Valley, Washington after an Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) alert led deputies to his location. The suspect, Charles J. Werneth III, initially complied with commands but later became argumentative and made statements of self-harm, prompting a standoff with law enforcement. Crisis negotiators and additional deputies responded, and Werneth was eventually taken into custody with a loaded pistol recovered from his waistband.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of ALPR technology in helping law enforcement locate and apprehend suspects wanted for serious crimes, especially those involving the sexual assault of minors. The suspect's alleged threats and possession of a firearm also raised significant safety concerns that required a careful, de-escalation-focused response from multiple law enforcement units.

The details

According to the Spokane County Sheriff's Office, deputies were notified by Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) of an ALPR alert tied to a vehicle registered to Werneth, who was wanted on 17 felony child sexual assault charges. Deputies located the vehicle within seconds and made contact with Werneth, who initially complied with commands but later became argumentative and made statements of self-harm. This prompted a standoff, with crisis negotiators, behavioral health units, and additional deputies responding to assist. After about an hour, deputies were able to de-escalate the situation and safely take Werneth into custody, recovering a loaded pistol from his waistband.

  • On February 18, 2026, at approximately 10:40 a.m., deputies were notified of the ALPR alert.
  • Deputies located Werneth's vehicle and made contact with him shortly after receiving the alert.
  • The standoff lasted for about an hour, from around 10:40 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

The players

Charles J. Werneth III

A 36-year-old man wanted on 17 felony child sexual assault charges, who was arrested after an ALPR alert led deputies to his location.

Spokane County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that responded to the ALPR alert and apprehended Werneth.

Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC)

The agency that notified deputies of the ALPR alert tied to Werneth's vehicle.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.