CLARKSTON, WA – A Clarkston man was arrested Friday morning after allegedly leading an Asotin County Sheriff’s deputy on a high-speed pursuit while driving intoxicated with two children in the vehicle.

According to court documents, the incident occurred on November 7, around 8:20 a.m., when a deputy patrolling north on Evans Road near Ingram Road recorded a vehicle traveling at 90 miles per hour in a 50-mile-per-hour zone. When the deputy activated the lights and siren, the driver—identified as 44-year-old Jason D. Semmes—continued north without stopping, reaching speeds of about 75 miles per hour in a 35-mile-per-hour zone.

The pursuit ended near the intersection of Ben Johnson Avenue and 23rd Street, where the road was under construction. The deputy exited the patrol car, ordered the driver to show his hands, and recognized Semmes from previous law enforcement contacts. Semmes allegedly told the deputy he was taking his children to school. Two children, under the age of 13, were in the vehicle.

Court documents state that Semmes’ speech was severely slurred, and a strong odor of alcohol was present. After being placed in the patrol car, he admitted to drinking the previous night. He was later taken to the Asotin County Jail, where he refused to provide a breath sample and was described as unsteady on his feet and unable to hold his head upright.

The children were released to another deputy, who ensured they were taken safely to school.

Semmes was booked into jail on charges of felony eluding, driving under the influence, and two counts of reckless endangerment.