High-speed chase ends in arrest

SANDPOINT - A Newport man was arrested Saturday after crashing a stolen pickup truck during a high-speed chase on Highway 41.

Shawn Eric Bryant is charged with felony eluding, grand theft and possession of methamphetamine. Bryant made an initial court appearance on Monday via video feed from the jail.

Bonner County Magistrate Court Judge Debra Heise set Bryant's bail at $15,000 and appointed a public defender to represent him, court records show.

Bryant, 31, was spotted at an Oldtown gas station in a vehicle that was reported stolen from a subdivision off Eastside Road. Deputy Kimberly Kempton attempted to stop Bryant, but he fled. The pursuit continued southbound on Highway 41, where speeds topped 80 mph.

Deputy Thomas Cimbalik deployed a tire-deflation device at the intersection of Old Priest River Road, the affidavit said. Tires on the truck began to disintegrate and Bryant ended up crashing into trees near Sleepy Hallow Road.

Bryant fled on foot, but was later arrested when he tried to sneak away from the scene in another pickup truck driven by somebody else.

Bryant allegedly admitted to stealing the truck, which was reported stolen last Tuesday, the affidavit said. The meth that was allegedly discovered was found in Bryant's wallet.