Police Taser man to end chase
A Washington State Patrol vehicle sustained extensive damage after another vehicle slammed into the patrol car during a high-speed chase Monday afternoon.
MOSES LAKE — A chase reaching speeds of up to 110 mph ended with a man being Tasered and arrested by police two miles east of Moses Lake Monday afternoon.
A deputy from the Grant County Sheriff’s Office was attempting to pull over alleged driver, James E. Vancleve, 48, Lewiston, Idaho, for a defective exhaust on a 1991 Honda Accord, Grant County Chief Deputy Courtney Conklin said on Tuesday.
Vancleve reportedly turned around and looked at the deputy before accelerating at a high rate of speed, said Conklin.
A chase ensued between Vancleve and the deputy, according to Conklin.
Vancleve reportedly weaved in and out of traffic, ran a red light at the intersection of state Route 17 and East Broadway Avenue and continued eastbound on Wheeler Road, according to Conklin.
“The driver was swerving around traffic, passing on the right shoulder and he forced traffic to go on the shoulder,” said Conklin. “He was driving erratically and had disregard for everyone.”
Authorities believe Vancleve was eluding police due to a prior Department of Corrections warrant for his arrest.
He is a convicted felon, said Conklin.
Vancleve allegedly drove eastbound on I-90, exiting onto Road 1.5 Southeast, according to Conklin.
Washington State Patrol were called to assist the sheriff’s office.
Vancleve reportedly came close to crashing several times due to his high rate of speed, before turning northbound onto the gravel road Baseline .5 Southeast.
A state patrol car was heading northbound on the same road when Vancleve alledgedly crashed head on into the patrol car, said Conklin.
“The crash disabled both cars. Vancleve then fled on foot and the deputy followed him into the field,” said Conklin.
The trooper involved in the collision was not hurt.
Authorities followed Vancleve for about 50 yards before Vancleve alledgedly hid behind several old cars, forcing law enforcement to lose sight of him.
Conklin said authorities spotted Vancleve after he attempted to start a small white truck.
“The deputy opened the truck door and Tasered him in his left shoulder. It successfully subdued him and we were able to arrest him,” said Conklin.
Vancleve was arrested for felony eluding, unlawful possession of firearm, hit and run with injury and driving with license suspended in the third degree by the sheriff’s office.
The pursuit lasted for about 30 minutes.
Vancleve was taken to Samaritan Hospital to be evaluated for injuries and possible drug use, according to Conklin. He was booked into jail afterward.
Vancleve had a passenger, Doug Paris, 28, Moses Lake, in the Honda during the chase.
Paris was not arrested and released by authorities at the scene.
“He was there for the ride,” said Conklin.