Dangerous, Wrong-Way Driver on I-90 Fails to Stop for Deputy –
Driver Arrested for DUI and Eluding
Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies used a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) to safely stop the driver of a vehicle, first observed traveling the wrong way on I-90 and later, failed to stop for Deputies behind him. The driver was arrested for DUI and Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle.
On November 22, 2018, at approximately 3:45 a.m., Deputy Alex Velikodnyy was travelling west on I-90, approaching the Medical Lake/Hwy. 902 exit, when he observed a white Toyota Camry traveling east in the westbound lanes. Deputy Velikodnyy had to use evasive maneuvers to avoid a head-on collision with the Camry. Turning his emergency lights and siren on, hoping the driver would stop, was ineffective.
Deputy Velikodnyy turned back on to I-90 and paralleled the wrong-way driver, later identified as 56-year-old Simon Y. Pavlov, from the correct (eastbound) lanes of travel and attempted to gain the Pavlov’s attention while trying to warn the other motorists of the approaching danger.
After almost colliding with semi truck head-on, Pavlov pulled to the side, made a very slow U-turn across the westbound lanes of travel and began heading back toward the Medical Lake/ Hwy. 902 exit.
Deputy Velikodnyy turned around and caught up to Pavlov as he began to exit the freeway. Pavlov turned south on Aero Rd., ignoring Deputy Velikodnyy’s emergency lights and siren. With Deputy Chad Gorton now assisting, the Deputies tried using several alternatives to get Pavlov’s attention and have him stop but Pavlov continued to drive, turning east on Westbow Rd.
In the 9900 block of W. Hallett Rd., fearing Pavlov’s reckless and total disregard for his safety and the safety of other drivers on the roads, Deputy Gorton successfully attempted a PIT maneuver, safely ending the pursuit.
Pavlov seemed confused, had a blank look on his face, and ignored commands to exit the vehicle. Deputies were forced to approach the vehicle, not knowing if Pavlov was armed, and remove him. As they did, a strong odor of alcohol was immediately noticed. Outside the vehicle, Pavlov was barely able to stand on his own. He stated he was going home after being involved in a fight at a bar where he received a cut to his forehead.
Due to Pavlov’s inability to stand, field sobriety tests were not administered. He was provided medical attention prior to being transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle and DUI.
A search warrant for a sample of Pavlov’s blood was requested and granted. The sample was booked into property for testing.
Thankfully, no one was injured during this extremely dangerous incident.
Deputy Mark Gregory
Spokane County Sheriff’s Office
Spokane Valley Police Department
Public Information Officer