Man arrested following theft of bread delivery truck in Post Falls

POST FALLS — A man was arrested after allegedly stealing a bread delivery truck early Saturday in Post Falls.

Michael Koskinen-Patron, 34, was taken into custody following a pursuit that ended in Spokane Valley. 

According to a press release, the Post Falls Police Department will seek an Idaho arrest warrant charging Koskinen-Patron with grand theft, felony eluding and felony malicious injury to property for offenses committed within the state of Idaho.

The incident began about 5:45 a.m. when police received a report that a large bread delivery truck had been stolen from the Walmart on Mullan Avenue.

Patrol officers quickly located the stolen vehicle traveling westbound on Interstate 90 and attempted to conduct a traffic stop. The driver failed to yield and a pursuit continued westbound before the truck exited Interstate 90 at Spokane Street, the release said. 

The driver then traveled north on Spokane Street and west on Seltice Way. Post Falls officers deployed spike strips near the Idaho-Washington state line, deflating the truck's front tires. 

"Despite the damage, the driver continued into Washington State," the release said.

Law enforcement agencies from Washington assumed the primary pursuit while deploying additional spike strips. 

The pursuit ended in Spokane Valley when the truck crashed through a gate at the Harley-Davidson dealership. Koskinen-Patron was taken into custody without further incident by Washington law enforcement officers, the release said.

Additional charges may be filed by Washington authorities for offenses committed in that state.

An investigation continues.