SPOKANE, Wash. – A driver in Spokane was arrested on Thursday after a pursuit involving the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO).
Deputies noticed a black Ford Focus with expired plates stopped at a green light on North Division Street and East Hastings Road around 12:45 p.m., according to the SCSO. When deputies activated their emergency lights for a traffic stop, the driver reportedly refused to stop and continued north.
Officials said the driver made “significant and erratic lane changes,” swerving across lanes at 30-40 miles per hour. Two additional deputies joined the pursuit, but the suspect continued evading them.
As the chase entered East Hastings Road, deputies became concerned for public safety due to increasing traffic. They managed to position a patrol car in front of the suspect, causing a minor collision. Another patrol car blocked the vehicle from behind.
When deputies approached, the driver ignored commands and appeared dazed. They detected a strong smell of alcohol while taking him into custody.
The suspect was taken to a hospital where deputies obtained a blood sample after securing a search warrant. He later admitted to drinking before driving.
The suspect was booked into Spokane County Jail, facing a felony charge of attempting to elude a law enforcement vehicle and a misdemeanor charge of driving under the influence.
