Felony charges against teen who rode scooter, left skid marks on Spokane Pride crosswalk dismissed

Felony charges against a teenager who left skid marks with a scooter on a pride crosswalk in downtown Spokane, Washington have been dismissed.

According to court documents obtained by KXLY, prosecutors were ordered to dismiss the charges of first-degree malicious mischief against Ruslan Turko (19) on July 31, a Class B felony in the state. The charges come with a maximum penalty of up to five years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

He had been arrested after officers responded to a 911 call on June 5 about multiple teens on scooters creating skid marks on the crosswalk. The incident came after the city had repainted the mural following a group of people lighting it on fire in May.

The police were able to locate the three teens nearby using video from witness’ cell phone and nearby surveillance footage.

In response, electric scooter and bike rental company Lime enacted a "no-go zone" on the crosswalk causing the company’s scooters and bikes to shut off if they came within close vicinity of the mural.
 

Lime Director of Government Relations Hayden Harvey said at the time that he and everyone at the company "condemn these vile acts in no uncertain terms."

"At a time when our teams at Lime are beginning pride celebrations around the globe, it is disturbing to see the hate taking place in Spokane," he added. "We will not let the hateful few spoil the joy of Pride Month in Spokane, and are grateful for those working to make Spokane more welcoming for all."