Man arrested for felony eluding after pursuit near Ritzville

RITZVILLE — A man was arrested near Ritzville last week after he reportedly led several different police agencies on a high speed chase that reached speeds of 100 mph.

According to the Adams County Sheriff’s Office the pursuit started in Ritzville and involved Ritzville police attempting to pull over a Ford Crown Victoria, reportedly driven by 22-year-old Darby Lynn Kurkowski.

Kurkowski refused to pull over for Ritzville officers and he reportedly hit speeds in excess of 60 mph in Ritzville city limits. Adams County deputies responded and took over the pursuit when Kurkowski left Ritzville and went into the county.

Kurkowski was reportedly driving erratically and went in and out of several fields before he made his way back into Ritzville. Speeds reportedly reached 100 mph and the Washington State Patrol joined in the pursuit.

“The Ford drove recklessly through Ritzville, failing to stop at stop signs, driving through parking lots, and had no regard for any other traffic or persons,” stated the ACSO.

The pursuit ended on Gun Club Road just outside of Ritzville. Kurkowski reportedly stopped the vehicle before striking a set of spike strips and he was taken into custody. He was booked into the Adams County Jail for felony eluding. The ACSO says a search warrant was obtained for Kurkowski’s blood to determine if he was under the influence of narcotics.

Richard Byrd can be reached via email at rbyrd@columbiabasinherald.com.