Deputies Successfully End Pursuit Initiated in Idaho
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office Deputies arrested the driver of a vehicle who tried to evade Idaho law enforcement agencies after she intentionally tried to collide with two marked patrol vehicles. The subsequent pursuit continued into Washington where Spokane Sheriff’s Deputies successfully deployed spike strips, slowing the speed of the suspect’s vehicle, and eventually ending this dangerous situation without anyone being injured.
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On May 24, 2019, at approximately 7:45 p.m., Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to a request for assistance by Idaho State Police (ISP) Troopers who were pursuing a suspect vehicle in Kootenai County. It was reported the suspect intentionally tried to collide with two marked patrol vehicles initiating the pursuit which was now headed toward Spokane County on Hwy. 53.
The pursuit entered Spokane County on Hwy. 290 (Trent) and Deputies picked up the pursuit to assist the two ISP Troopers on N. Argonne near Bigelow Gulch. Additional Deputies successfully deployed spike strips near Bruce and Peone eventually causing the driver, later identified as 51-year-old Colleen M. Burgess, to stop her vehicle near the 13000 block of N. Bruce.
Burgess exhibited significant signs of what appeared to be mental health issues and refused to communicate with Deputies or follow their commands. She had the music turned up extremely loud, with the vehicle running as she sat inside her vehicle and ignored Deputies’ commands.
The roadway was closed as Deputies continued to try and de-escalate the situation, not knowing if Burgess was armed or if she would suddenly attempt to drive away, causing another pursuit. Without any progress and after an extended period of time, an arrest team approached the vehicle and deployed OC spray through the open driver’s window.
After approximately 5 minutes, Burgess opened the driver’s door and swung her legs outside, but she continued to ignore the commands of the Deputies. Then, Burgess attempted to move back inside and close the driver’s door. The arrest team quickly moved up and deployed a Taser which was partially effective, causing Deputies to physically take control of her, removing her from the vehicle. She was successfully taken into custody without further incident.
Burgess was transported to a hospital to be medically cleared prior to being transported to the Spokane County Jail where she was booked for Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle and Resisting Arrest.
Burgess is expected to face Idaho charges of Aggravated Assault on Law Enforcement (2 counts) and Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement.
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Corporal Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer