K-9 ends suspect's run from police

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

POST FALLS — A 52-year-old Post Falls man is accused of injuring two people during an alleged DUI, hit-and-run and eluding incident.

Vincent D. Smith was arrested in Post Falls on Friday night after allegedly rear-ending a vehicle on westbound Seltice Way near Beck Road at a traffic light at 10:19 p.m.

Smith allegedly drove from the scene and was found a short time later on nearby Elm Road in a Ford Econoline van.

When Smith drove into a dead end, he allegedly backed up to where the van's tires spun out and attempted to drive toward the Post Falls Police cars.

"It appeared he was preparing to attempt an escape," the police report states.

Smith, however, allegedly drove into an area thick with shrubs, causing the van to become stuck.

One officer made her way to the driver's side of the van, while another opened the passenger door, the report states.

K-9 Andor was deployed to the passenger seat and Smith was warned by an officer that he'd be bit if he didn't comply with commands.

Smith eventually exited the drivers' side of the van and was arrested on charges of felony DUI, eluding, leaving the scene of an accident, failure to notify of an accident and driving without privileges.

The female victim who was injured in the collision complained of neck pain and thought she possibly had a concussion.

The male victim complained of back and abdominal pain.

Both victims were passengers in a Chevy Silverado. They were evaluated on scene by medical personnel.

Both of the vehicles sustained major damage, according to police.

Smith has a history of eluding law enforcement and assault.