Stolen vehicle, chase suspect flees police

By BRIAN WALKER

Staff Writer

POST FALLS — Post Falls Police on Tuesday afternoon continued to search for a stolen vehicle suspect who allegedly led officers on a high-speed chase on Interstate 90 early Monday.

"Speeds reached 95 to 99 mph on Interstate 90 before the suspect ditched the vehicle in a neighborhood on 13th Street east of Spokane Street and fled on foot," said Post Falls Police Capt. Jason Mealer said.

A resident reported seeing a suspicious male rummaging through vehicles around 4 a.m. Monday at the Silver Creek Apartments on West Tayjan Lane off Idahline Road on the west side of the city.

When officers arrived, a white 2008 Ford Ranger was leaving the property.

"When an officer attempted to stop the driver for a traffic violation, a pursuit started," Mealer said.

The suspect entered eastbound I-90 at Pleasantview Road, exited at Spokane Street and the chase ended in the 200 block of east 13th Street.

Mealer said the pickup had minor damage from the pursuit.

"The suspect ran through yards and couldn't be located," said Mealer, adding that officers formed a perimeter in the area in search of the man in dark clothing.

Money and stolen credit cards were recovered from the pickup. It was stolen from the same area as where the suspicious male was reported.

"More than likely the male had just stolen the truck (when an officer arrived)," Mealer said.

An investigation continues. Anyone with information is urged to contact Post Falls Police at 208-773-3517 or leave a tip at www.postfallspolice.com.