LEWISTON, ID – A man was taken into custody on multiple charges after leading law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit through Nez Perce County, ultimately crashing into a patrol vehicle and admitting to recent drug use, according to an affidavit of probable cause filed in district court.
On Tuesday afternoon, Idaho State Police attempted to stop a black Suzuki motorcycle near 31st Street North and Hatwai Road in Lewiston after observing it fail to signal a turn and noting that it appeared to be spray-painted to obscure its identification. The driver, later identified as 37-year-old Kyle W. Mercer, allegedly fled the scene, reaching speeds in excess of 140 miles per hour and weaving through traffic on US95 and US12.
During the pursuit, Mercer reportedly ran multiple stop signs, entered opposing traffic lanes, and attempted to evade officers by intentionally slowing down to force a collision—an action police described as a deliberate “brake check.” At times, he allegedly gestured to officers with his middle finger, and made repeated hand signals while in motion. Officers noted that the motorcycle began showing signs of mechanical issues during the chase.
The pursuit came to an end when Mercer exited onto a service trail off Eberhardt Road, near Lenore. As officers approached the trail exit, Mercer allegedly accelerated and struck the front of a patrol vehicle at low speed. He reportedly jumped from the motorcycle and was taken into custody without further resistance.
A subsequent search revealed Mercer was carrying a blue backpack containing a zippered pouch with a glass pipe and a substance consistent with methamphetamine. A field test was inconclusive and the substance was submitted to a lab for further analysis. Officers also discovered pawn slips bearing Mercer’s name inside the backpack.
According to the affidavit, Mercer admitted to using methamphetamine the day before and suggested he may have unknowingly consumed fentanyl. While medics were called as a precaution, Mercer refused further treatment after briefly appearing to lose consciousness. Field sobriety tests were conducted and Mercer submitted a breath sample which registered .000. However, troopers indicated that his performance on the sobriety tests did not align with the breath results. Mercer refused to provide a blood sample.
He was booked into the Nez Perce County Jail on charges of felony eluding, driving under the influence, and possession of drug paraphernalia. A notice of suspension was issued for refusal to submit to evidentiary testing, with his license suspension set to begin August 5.
Mercer appeared in court on Wednesday. Bond was set at $150,000.
