Erratic behavior indicates DUI
SPOKANE VALLEY – A pursuit involving a reckless driver ended in arrest after the suspect attempted to flee from deputies twice, ultimately crashing into a building. The driver, identified as 48-year-old Jeffrey T. Lane, faces two felony counts of Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Vehicle and DUI.
The incident unfolded on April 3, 2024, around 8:05 am when a blue Honda Element sped past a patrol vehicle on E. Sprague Avenue, near Coleman Road. Despite attempts by law enforcement to conduct a traffic stop, Lane continued west at a high speed, endangering other motorists with erratic lane changes and reckless driving.
Law enforcement temporarily halted the pursuit due to concerns for public safety amidst heavy traffic. However, Lane’s reckless behavior persisted as sightings of the vehicle driving recklessly continued.
A subsequent encounter with Lane occurred when a deputy observed a similar vehicle traveling east on 8th Avenue from University Road. Additional deputies swiftly mobilized to intercept Lane as he maneuvered west on Appleway Blvd in the wrong direction at high speeds.
Efforts to halt Lane’s dangerous escapade proved futile as he continued to evade law enforcement, weaving through traffic and ignoring emergency lights and sirens. The pursuit culminated in a collision as Lane attempted a turn near N. Fancher, crashing into a building on the northwest corner.
Following the crash, Lane was promptly apprehended, albeit displaying erratic behavior, including a bizarre claim of being in a “virtual reality game.” Evaluation by medical personnel confirmed he was uninjured, leading to his arrest and transport for further assessments, including evaluation by a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE).
Subsequent investigations, including a breath test showing negative results for alcohol, led to the determination of probable cause for DUI charges. A blood sample was obtained via a search warrant for further testing.
Jeffrey T. Lane was subsequently booked into Spokane County Jail, facing charges of Attempting to Elude a Law Enforcement Vehicle and DUI. Following a court appearance, his bond was set at $25,000, and he remains in custody awaiting further legal proceedings.
Clare is an Eastern Washington University graduate and a reporter at Free Press Publishing.
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