Three individuals were arrested early Thursday morning after deputies recovered a stolen Mazda that had been taken from a disabled woman in Spokane, Washington. The car was reported stolen on November 7, after the victim allowed a friend, 40-year-old Scott Gothberg, to use it. The incident began when Gothberg accompanied the victim’s friend to a store on November 1. While the driver went inside, Gothberg remained in the car, but when the driver returned, both Gothberg and the car were gone.
Despite not having permission to take the vehicle, Gothberg failed to return it, prompting the victim to file a theft report days later. On November 14, a Flock Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) alert alerted deputies to the stolen Mazda, which was located near West Dalke Avenue and North Ruby Street, with the help of Spokane Police Officers.
Deputies detained several individuals in the area, and Gothberg was arrested for the theft of a motor vehicle. Also arrested were 34-year-old Jennifer Lawrence, who faced charges of possession of a stolen motor vehicle and multiple unrelated warrants, including third-degree theft, two counts of fourth-degree assault, and two counts of possession of a controlled substance. A third suspect, 40-year-old Michael Fagan, was taken into custody on a misdemeanor physical control warrant.
All three suspects were booked into the Spokane County Jail. Gothberg’s bond was set at $1,000 during his first court appearance. Lawrence was released on her own recognizance for the stolen vehicle charge but remained in custody on her other warrants with a total bond of $1,500. Fagan is being held without bond for his outstanding misdemeanor warrant.
The stolen vehicle was returned to its rightful owner following the arrests. The case highlights both the recovery of a stolen vehicle and the swift action of law enforcement in apprehending those involved.
