Hayden, ID — An 18-year-old from Post Falls was arrested Wednesday evening after deputies say he stole a vehicle, sped through multiple intersections, tore through wheat fields, and ultimately crashed into another car during a dangerous pursuit in Kootenai County.
Deputy Spots Speeding SUV Before Chaos Begins
The chase began when a Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) deputy saw a Chevrolet Suburban driving 15 mph over the speed limit in Hayden, authorities said. Before the deputy could even activate his emergency lights, the SUV blew through a stop sign at nearly 60 mph, signaling the driver had no intention of stopping.
When the deputy finally caught up and initiated a traffic stop, the driver immediately veered off the roadway — not slowing down for a second — and barreled straight into nearby wheat fields.
Chase Continues Through Fields and Back Onto the Road
Deputies pursued as the Suburban plowed southbound through the fields, kicking up dirt and wheat before re-entering the roadway at a dangerously high speed.
Once back on the road, the teen reportedly ran multiple stop signs and red lights, ignoring every attempt to stop him and putting drivers throughout Hayden at serious risk.
KCSO says the pursuit continued onto North Huetter Road, where the teen’s reckless decisions caught up with him.
Crash at Huetter Road and Poleline Avenue
At the intersection of North Huetter Road and East Poleline Avenue, the Suburban swerved into the northbound lane and crashed into another vehicle, ending the chase.
Deputies moved in quickly and took the 18-year-old suspect into custody at the scene.
The vehicle he hit was occupied by two adults, both of whom suffered minor to moderate injuries, according to KCSO. They were evaluated by medical personnel at the scene.
The Idaho State Police has taken over the investigation into the crash itself.
Suburban Had Just Been Reported Stolen
After the suspect was arrested, deputies learned the Chevrolet Suburban had been reported stolen earlier that evening from the City of Coeur d’Alene. This means the chase began mere minutes after the SUV was first flagged as missing.
The Coeur d’Alene Police Department is now investigating the associated vehicle theft and says additional charges could be forthcoming.
Teen Faces Multiple Felony Charges
According to the sheriff’s office, the 18-year-old Post Falls resident is now facing several charges, including:
- Aggravated reckless driving
- Eluding officers
- Possession of a stolen vehicle
KCSO added that more charges are expected from other agencies involved in the ongoing investigations.
A Dangerous Chase That Could Have Turned Deadly
Deputies emphasized how quickly the situation escalated — from a simple speeding observation to a high-risk pursuit involving a stolen vehicle, speeding through fields, running red lights, and ending in an injury crash.
Authorities say the incident could have easily resulted in more serious injuries or fatalities.
Local officials are urging drivers to be cautious and reminding the public that fleeing from law enforcement is not only illegal but almost always results in more severe consequences.
