Meridian man who led police on high-speed chase gets plea deal - East Idaho News
Crime Watch

Meridian man who led police on high-speed chase gets plea deal

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POCATELLO — A man who led Idaho State Police troopers on a high-speed chase from American Falls to Pocatello has reached a plea agreement.

Morgan Robert Barzee, 23, entered a guilty plea to trafficking marijuana on April 1, according to court records. In exchange, an additional felony for attempting to elude officers has been dismissed. Five misdemeanor traffic- or drug-related charges and an infraction were also dismissed.

RELATED | Troopers say man trafficking marijuana drove over 100 mph before his arrest

Barzee was arrested in February following a chase where he first pulled over and then sped away.

The incident began on Interstate 86 when a trooper saw a Lexus sedan — driven by a man later identified as Barzee — driving over 100 mph. The trooper attempted a traffic stop, but after first slowing to the shoulder, Barzee accelerated and once again reached speeds exceeding 100 mph.

The Lexus eventually stopped on East County Road in Pocatello.

Barzee was arrested without further incident and was found to be in possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.

He was originally charged with two felonies, for trafficking marijuana and eluding officers. Barzee was also charged with misdemeanors for reckless driving, possession of marijuana, possession of paraphernalia and two counts of resisting arrest. He was also given an infraction for driving more than 15 mph over the speed limit.

The maximum penalty for marijuana trafficking, the charge for which he pleaded guilty, is 15 years in prison and up to $50,000 in fines.

Barzee is scheduled for a sentencing hearing before District Judge Rick Carnaroli on May 27.

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