LEWISTON, ID – A Clarkston woman was arrested for felony eluding and driving under the influence following a police pursuit that ended outside Valley Medical Center on Friday.
Kathryn K. Cantrell, 37, of Clarkston, was arrested and booked into the Nez Perce County Jail on charges of felony eluding an officer, according to a Lewiston Police Department incident report.
The incident began around 8:30 p.m. on Friday, June 6, when an officer traveling east on Bryden Avenue observed a white GMC SUV speeding westbound at 88 mph in a 35 mph zone. After turning around and activating emergency lights, the officer attempted to initiate a traffic stop.
Despite multiple clear indications from police, 37-year-old Kathryn K. Cantrell, of Clarkston, allegedly would not pull over. At a red light near 5th Street and Bryden Avenue, the SUV reportedly struck another vehicle—a red 2004 Ford Focus driven by a Lewiston resident—while maneuvering around stopped traffic.
Cantrell allegedly continued driving erratically, reaching speeds of up to 60 mph down Bryden Canyon Road and failing to yield to police sirens. The SUV struck a curb as it exited onto 8th Street, before slowing down and pulling into the parking lot of Valley Medical Center.
Officers described Cantrell as visibly impaired and initiated a DUI investigation. She reportedly admitted to drinking earlier in the day.
According to curt documents, Cantrell told police she did not realize she was being pursued by law enforcement and did not recall hitting another vehicle. Damage to the other vehicle was described as minor, including scuff marks on the left rear bumper.
Police administered a breath test. Cantrell’s breath samples allegedly measured .240 and .226. The legal limit is .08 in Idaho.
Cantrell was transported to the Nez Perce County Jail and charged with felony eluding. She is also facing misdemeanor charges of excessive driving under the influence, reckless driving and leaving the scene of an accident. She appeared in court on Monday. Bond was set at $5,000.
