The need for speed: Why an Idaho Falls man allegedly fled police twice
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IDAHO FALLS — A motorcyclist who allegedly led police on a high-speed chase twice did it for the thrill, according to court documents.
Grant Ray Greenhalgh, 24, of Idaho Falls, has been charged with one count of fleeing or attempting to elude a peace officer, a felony.
On Sunday, an Idaho Falls Police officer saw a motorcycle traveling around 80 mph in a 40-mph zone on Hitt Road. Officers also noticed the motorcycle did not have a license plate, according to court documents.
Officers caught up with the motorcyclist, later identified as Greenhalgh, but when they tried to initiate a traffic stop, Greenhalgh allegedly took off.
Greenhalgh looked back at officers and their emergency lights before racing away, according to documents. Officers briefly pursued but ceased pursuit at the intersection of Hitt and John Adams due to concerns for public safety. Officers followed Greenhalgh from a distance.
While following Greenhalgh, officers said they saw him reach speeds of about 100 mph on Hitt Road approaching 17th before he began slowing down.
Officers continued to follow Greenhalgh. They briefly lost sight of him and encountered him again on Channing. When they tried pulling him over a second time, Greenhalgh allegedly sped off again.
Court documents report officers attempted to follow Greenhalgh again but lost sight of him. Greenhalgh eventually stopped for officers near 65th South and West 15th, where he was placed under arrest for felony eluding.
Greenhalgh told officers he knew he should not have fled from law enforcement, but he “just wanted to feel a rush,” according to documents.
If found guilty of the charge, Greenhalgh may face up to five years’ confinement and may be required to pay fines of up to $50,000.
Greenhalgh has not yet been appointed an attorney. He is set to appear in court Oct. 2 for a preliminary hearing.
Although Greenhalgh has been charged with a crime, that does not necessarily mean he committed it. Everyone is presumed innocent until proven guilty.