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ISP arrests man after high-speed chase

| May 31, 2021 1:00 AM

Idaho State Police arrested and charged Jonathon D. Lewis, 33, Spokane, with several felonies after he led police on a high-speed chase.

During the chase, Lewis allegedly hit one ISP patrol car and two other vehicles. No one was injured during the incident. The arrest occurred after the suspect got out of the stolen vehicle holding a hatchet.

At 4:24 p.m. Sunday, ISP troopers responded to a citizen call of a gray Hyundai SUV on eastbound Interstate 90 driving erratically and trying to pass other vehicles between lanes.

Troopers learned a vehicle matching that description had been reported stolen in Spokane. The vehicle was located by ISP and officers with Post Falls Police and stopped at a red light near I-90 and Seltice Way.

A trooper pulled behind the suspect vehicle, and as the trooper began giving commands, the driver accelerated, driving back onto I-90 at a high rate of speed.

As the trooper pursued the suspect vehicle, Lewis hit his brakes causing the trooper to swerve quickly to avoid a collision. Lewis then collided with the trooper's vehicle, according to ISP.

Lewis led a pursuit in excess of 110 mph on I-90 and later continued driving north on U.S. 95. He continued to travel at a high rate of speed and collided with two other vehicles. The collisions caused minor damage and no injuries.

At Garwood Road and U.S. 95, successful spike strips slowed the vehicle. Lewis stopped and as he got out of the vehicle, troopers could see he was holding a hatchet.

A Kootenai County deputy on scene deployed a Taser and Lewis was taken into custody without further incident.

Investigating troopers were able to identify Lewis as a fugitive from Washington State, and found evidence indicating he was under the influence of drugs during the incident. After being cleared by medical personnel on scene, Idaho State Police booked Lewis into the Kootenai County jail.

He faces felony charges of possession of stolen property, eluding and two counts of assault or battery on an officer. He also faces misdemeanor charges of driving under the influence, providing false information to officers and possession of drug paraphernalia.