Accused 'while you were sleeping' home invader caught by Spokane County K9

FUGITIVE CAPTURED November 4, 2013 -- The Spokane County Sheriff's Office says fugitive John Heitman was in the middle of committing another crime, when he was caught by their K9 "Ekko" on Friday. He was officially booked into the Spokane County Jail on Monday night. Detectives say it started on Friday when Mead High School Resource Deputy Jeff Rogers was contacted by a female student who said she just observed a male suspect inside her boyfriend's vehicle. She told Dep. Rogers she had never seen the male before and knew he had broke into her boyfriend's car. She said the suspect was wearing a sweatshirt with a Superman logo on the front and carrying a backpack. Deputy Rogers contacted the victim at his vehicle. He told Dep. Rogers someone had broke into his car, and that the suspect walked south through the parking lot towards Hastings. At about that time the principal told Dep. Rogers a male matching the suspect description jumped over a fence into a yard on Hastings across from the school. Several other deputies responded to the area and set up a perimeter. Shortly after the principal saw the suspect jump a fence, Sgt. Jay McNall advised he saw the suspect running through yards near the area of 12220 N. Ruby.  Sheriff's K9 Deputy John Cook and his partner Ekko arrived on scene.  Deputy Cook saw the suspect, later identified as 19-year-old  John Heitman, hide under a table in a backyard of a residence.  Heitman refused commands to come out from under the table and Ekko was deployed.  Ekko located Heitman under the table and he was taken into custody. Heitman told Deputy Rogers that he was able to break into the victim's vehicle using a shaved key.  Heitman said he had come from the Valley and had broke into two vehicles earlier in the morning before taking the bus to the north side.  He said he smokes $300.00 of methamphetamine every other day and steals to support his habit.

FUGITIVE WANTED IN SPOKANE COUNTY November 1, 2013 -- While you were sleeping -- that's the motto cops in Spokane County say prolific burglar, John Heitman, has when it comes to invading your home. He’s wanted for a break-in detectives say he pulled while a family slept, stealing credit cards from wallets, and using them at nearby stores -- before his victims even awoke. That home burglary is one of two warrants he has for his arrest right now. Detectives say Heitman is likely linked to another local burglary, and selling guns. He’s 19 years old. If you know where is, call an anonymous tip into: CRIME STOPPERS: 1-800-222-TIPS You must call the Crime Stoppers hotline with your tip to be eligible to receive a cash reward for information leading to a fugitive’s arrest. CLICK HERE for information on how to TEXT A TIP to Crime Stoppers