Prison ordered for man who crashed into cop

SANDPOINT - A Washington man accused of ramming a stolen truck into a Spirit Lake Police chief's vehicle was ordered Tuesday to serve as long as five years in prison.

First District Judge Barbara Buchanan retained jurisdiction over Brian Smiley Solorio, which means he could qualify for probation after serving up to a year in the Idaho Department of Correction's rider program.

But if things go badly during that period of incarceration, Solorio could be ordered to serve two years of fixed penitentiary time and the prospect of three additional years.

Solorio was charged with battery on a law officer, eluding, theft by possession and malicious injury to property last June. Solorio was in possession of a fuel truck reported stolen from Felts Field in Spokane when he was found driving around private timberland in southern Bonner County.

Spirit Lake Police Chief Keith Hutcheson responded to the call and his vehicle was rammed by the fuel truck during a brief chase, according to court documents. Solorio managed to elude police, but was arrested the next day after wandering onto property off Paisley Road.

In an agreement with the state, Solorio entered an Alford plea to battery on a law officer. Under the plea, Solorio admits no wrongdoing. In exchange for the plea, the remaining charges were dismissed.

The crime spree was attributed to mental health issues and a cessation of medication, according to court documents.

Deputy Public Defender Susie Jensen urged against retained jurisdiction, arguing that IDOC is not equipped to provide the treatment Solorio needs, court records show. She recommended probation so Solorio could access mental health resources in Spokane.

Solorio apologized for his misconduct and said he has trouble recognizing he's having hallucinations when he's not on his medication, court documents indicate.

Buchanan declined to release Solorio onto probation, finding that his mental state could be stabilized in the rider program. She also noted that Solorio did not have a solid plan to secure housing and employment and the crimes he was charged with were concerning to the court, according to court documents.

"You can't live your life like you have been," Buchanan said.

Buchanan gave Solorio credit for 173 days of pretrial incarceration.