LEWISTON, ID – A Clarkston man was arrested late Monday night after allegedly driving a stolen vehicle into Lewiston, according to court documents filed in Nez Perce County.
According to court documents, Lewiston police responded around 10:59 p.m. on Dec. 29 after receiving information that a vehicle reported stolen in Clarkston had entered Lewiston. Clarkston police were reportedly tracking the vehicle using the owner’s phone, which was inside the vehicle.
Officers located the vehicle stopped on the shoulder of southbound Nez Perce Grade and conducted a felony traffic stop due to the vehicle’s reported stolen status and uncertainty about possible weapons or additional occupants. The driver was identified as 28-year-old Thomas Cruz Prior of Clarkston.
According to the affidavit, Prior allegedly entered the vehicle while it was parked at a gas station in Clarkston without the owner’s consent and drove it into Idaho. The vehicle was still running when officers located it.
After speaking with Clarkston police, Prior was taken into custody and arrested on suspicion of grand theft.
Court documents state officers also began a DUI investigation after Prior admitted he had consumed alcohol earlier. Officers reportedly observed balance issues while Prior was standing and walking.
Based on the investigation, officers determined there was probable cause to believe Prior was operating the vehicle under the influence of alcohol, according to court documents.
Prior was booked into jail on charges of felony grand theft and misdemeanor driving under the influence. He is expected to make his initial court appearance on Tuesday afternoon.
