High-speed chase ends in Post Falls alfalfa field

A Spokane man is accused of stealing a vehicle at Walmart in Hayden Thursday and leading law enforcement officers on a high-speed chase prior to his apprehension.

Alec Terrance Malinak, 19, was charged with grand theft and felony eluding, according to a press release from the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office. The release states deputies were informed of the stolen vehicle around 10:50 a.m., and located it minutes later traveling westbound on Prairie Avenue.

"A traffic stop was initiated but the suspect failed to comply and fled from the deputy in the stolen vehicle," the release states. "A high-speed pursuit ensued for a short time until Stop Sticks were deployed, which flattened three tires on the fleeing vehicle."

After the tires were flattened, the release states, Malinak allegedly left the road and began driving in an open alfalfa field on the corner of Prairie Avenue and Highway 41. When the car stopped moving, Malinak allegedly fled the vehicle and began running from deputies.

A KCSO K9 unit was deployed in the area and later apprehended Malinak without incident.