HAYDEN LAKE, ID — A high-speed pursuit through Hayden on Wednesday night ended in a crash and arrest after a driver fled from a Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office deputy and ultimately collided with another vehicle in the northbound lane of N. Huetter Road.
According to KCSO, the incident began around 8:15 p.m. on November 19 when a deputy observed a Chevrolet Suburban traveling about 15 mph over the posted speed limit near N. Huetter Road and W. Hayden Avenue. Before the deputy activated his emergency lights, the driver reportedly ran a stop sign at roughly 60 mph.
When the deputy attempted a traffic stop, the Suburban abruptly left the roadway and sped into nearby wheat fields. Deputies pursued the vehicle as it traveled southbound through the fields before returning to the roadway at high speed, running multiple stop signs and red lights.
The pursuit ended when the Suburban entered the northbound lane at N. Huetter Road and E. Poleline Avenue and collided with another vehicle. Deputies immediately took the driver into custody with assistance from arriving law enforcement units. The second vehicle was occupied by two adults and a youth, all of whom sustained minor to moderate injuries. The Idaho State Police is investigating the crash.
Deputies later learned the Suburban had been reported stolen earlier that evening in Coeur d’Alene. The Coeur d’Alene Police Department is investigating the vehicle theft.
The driver, identified as 18-year-old Blake Cooper of Post Falls, was medically cleared and arrested on charges including aggravated reckless driving, eluding a peace officer, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Additional charges may follow from partnering agencies.
