Woman tries to elude deputies in stolen car

A Washington woman was arrested on multiple charges Wednesday following a vehicle chase by Kootenai County Sheriff’s deputies.

Brandyce L. Bearss, 35, of Graham, Wash., was booked into Kootenai County jail following the pursuit, which began after a sheriff’s deputy observed a suspicious vehicle parked at Super 1 Foods in Hayden.

The vehicle, driven by Bearss, left the parking lot and committed a traffic violation on Honeysuckle Road near Reed Road. Deputies attempted to stop her, but Bearss fled the area.

Deputies pursued Bearss on Honeysuckle west to Bean Avenue, where she drove into a yard and through several barbed-wire fences, into a field and then back onto Atlas Road.

Bearss drove south on Atlas Road and then east onto Kathleen Avenue where she continued to drive in the center of the road and swerved to miss a vehicle in oncoming traffic.

Bearss avoided an attempt by deputies to use stop sticks to deflate the tires and then turned north onto Building Center Drive where she slammed on her brakes, causing a crash with a deputy’s vehicle. Bearrs then complied with deputies’ verbal orders and was then taken into custody without further incident.

Further investigation revealed the vehicle Bearss was driving was stolen from Boise. Bearss was also in possession of several checks stolen from the victim of the vehicle theft.

Bearss was arrested for possession of a stolen vehicle, felony eluding, grand theft, driving while suspended, and two counts of malicious injury to property. Additionally, she was booked for an outstanding warrant charging her with grand theft and eluding.

There were no injuries reported in any of the events leading to Bearss’ arrest.

She has seven prior arrests in Kootenai County for possession of drugs, providing false information to law enforcement, fugitive from justice, battery, grand theft, eluding, assault/battery on a peace officer and multiple probation violations.