Police Chase Ends In Crash & Arrest In Pend Oreille County - Spokane, North Idaho News & Weather KHQ.com

Police Chase Ends In Crash & Arrest In Pend Oreille County

PRESS RELEASE FROM THE PEND OREILLE SHERIFF'S OFFICE: On Sunday, February 3, 2013, at approximately 10:51 am, Pend Oreille County Dispatch received a call from the Washington State Patrol in reference to a citizen report of an erratic driver entering Pend Oreille County from Spokane County. 

The vehicle, described as a silver convertible with black top was reported to be eastbound on State Route 2 at speeds in excess of 100 miles per hour and making unsafe passes.

Pend Oreille County deputies responded and observed the vehicle near S.R. 2 and Gray Road.   They were able to obtain a radar reading of 85 mph in a 60 mph speed zone. Deputies activated their lights and sirens and attempted to pull the vehicle over. 

The suspect vehicle slowed as if it were going to pull over then took off at a high rate of speed, passing two cars and nearly causing a head on collision. Due to the suspect vehicles proximity and direction of travel toward the City of Newport, deputies determined that the potential risk to all involved was too great and terminated the pursuit by pulling to the side of the road and deactivating all emergency equipment. 

Minutes later, deputies learned the suspect vehicle had crashed into a sign at 5th and Union in Newport and had continued on with debris littering the roadway. Dispatch then received a call from a citizen indicating the suspect vehicle pulled over on Spruce Street near Union Avenue. Deputies contacted the driver, identified as Shane L. Johnson, age 39, from Spokane, Washington. 

Johnson was taken to the hospital by ambulance for evaluation of possible minor injuries and later released to deputies wherein he was taken into custody and now faces charges of DUI, and Felony Eluding.  He was also wanted for escape in Idaho.