RedactedNarrative: On 08/09/15 at approximately 1932 hours, Dep. were working as a two man marine unit. While at the above listed location for an unrelated matter, I observed a yellow/black jet ski being operated by a male. My attention was drawn to the jet ski because the male was not wearing a required Personal Flotation Device (PFD) (Violation I/C 67-7015-30050). I contacted the male, later identified by his driver's license, and informed him I wanted to speak with him once he pulled the jet ski off the water. Operator understood, but advised he was late for a "birthday party" and contacted me in the parking lot after he loaded the jet ski onto its trailer. The jet ski was being towed by a blue Chevrolet Blazer.
   
  I spoke with Operator and informed him of the reason for the contact. Operator stated he understood he needed the PFD, but thought we could responded to assist if something happened to him. I informed Operator, he would be receiving a citation for the above listed violation and explained to Operator why. Operator stated he understood, but again explained he was late for a birthday party and asked for a warning. While completing the citation/safety inspection, Operator advised he was involved in a crash on the Spokane River earlier today. I asked about the crash and Operator explained he was near Blackwell Island when he hit a log at "full speed." I asked Operator when the crash occurred and he stated it happened sometime today. Operator knew he hit the log when he heard the jet ski hit something.
   
  Dep. and his marine partner arrived to assist.  I looked under the jet ski and observed white scrape marks running the length of the jet ski. Near the port/stern side, I observed an approximate softball size hole. Dep. photographed the damage.  I informed Operator a crash report needed to be filed. Operator began to "panic" saying he did not want one filed. Operator stated he was late for the birthday party and I told Operator he could leave once I complete my citation.  My partner at this point returned to the patrol vessel to gather the required paperwork. I was standing at the rear of the jet ski, while Operator was standing near the rear of the Chevrolet. While I was completing the paperwork, an unknown citizen asked me an unrelated question. While answering the question, I observed Operator move slightly north. When I looked back after the approximate 20-30 seconds it took to answer the question, Operator had left. 
   
  Dep.2 and Dep. searched the surrounding park with negative results.  Dep.2 and I searched the 300BLK of Sherman Ave with negative results. After approximately 30 minutes of waiting/searching for Operator, I began researching
  the vessel/vehicle. Dep.2 called the number Operator provided and it was his brother and learned Operator did not own a jet ski, but knew him to be looking for one to buy. Brother did not know Operator's current location, but stated Operator lived in Arizona, but had a friend in Post Falls that he was known to stay at while visiting the area.  In running the vessel registration numbers (ID5836AM), it returned to a 1971 boat. In running the vessel's HIN, it returned to a 1999 white boat to a subject did not answer the phone when called and did not have a voicemail set up. In looking at the paper registration for the jet ski, the  last letter ("H") was poorly written and one could mistake the letter as an "M."
   
  In running the HIN, the registration numbers matched except the last letter, being an "M" instead of an "H."  With Operator no longer on scene, Schaffer's towing was requested for both the Chevrolet and jet ski & trailer which were now abandoned in the boat launch area. The trailer attached to the Chevrolet also belonged to registrant. During the inventory of the Chevrolet, I located paperwork addressed to operator with a phone number. Dep.2 called subject and learned he sold the vehicle to a person who lived in Arizona with a first name of Operator. This lead me to believe the Chevro