Reckless driving complaint leads to high speed chase and vehicle fire in northern Idaho
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The following is a news release from Idaho State Police.
NEZ PERCE COUNTY — At approximately 2:12 p.m. on Monday, Idaho State Police dispatch began receiving citizen reports of a red Toyota RAV4 driving recklessly. Troopers were advised the driver was wanted for allegations of felony domestic battery out of Idaho County prior to getting behind the wheel.
Troopers located the vehicle traveling westbound on U.S. Highway 12 and attempted a traffic stop. The driver immediately fled at a high rate of speed, circling back multiple times on the highway and driving into oncoming lanes in an attempt to elude arrest.
To protect the traveling public, troopers executed a Precision Immobilization Technique, or PIT, causing the RAV4 to spin out and crash on the shoulder of U.S. Highway 95 near milepost 307. The vehicle caught fire, but troopers quickly extinguished the flames and took the suspect into custody without further incident.
The suspect sustained minor injuries but refused medical attention. A subsequent investigation determined the suspect’s blood alcohol concentration was over twice the legal limit. Charges are forthcoming for:
Felony eluding
Excessive driving under the influence
Concealing a firearm while intoxicated
Open container of alcohol
The public is encouraged to dial *ISP (*477) if they suspect an impaired driver or observe reckless driving.