Deputy hurt after chase, shooting

BONNERS FERRY - A Boundary County sheriff's deputy was injured after shooting out the tire on a suspected drunken driver's vehicle, who had led police on a high-speed chase on Friday night.

Deputy Willie Eddy was treated at Boundary Community Hospital for shoulder and neck injuries after suspect Lorelee Young, 46, of Sandpoint, hit Eddy with her vehicle as she attempted to flee.

At about 10:15 p.m. Boundary County dispatch received a call from dispatch in Sandpoint about a northbound reckless driver on Highway 95.

A Bonners Ferry Police officer spotted the 1985 Toyota 4-Runner at the top of the Peterson Hill, traveling 70 mph. The officer tried to stop the driver, and a 3 1/2-hour chase followed.

The police officer then called the sheriff's department for assistance. Eddy stopped traffic in the southbound lane of Highway 95 at Bear Creek Lodge, just south of Bonners Ferry.

The driver tried to dodge the road block and ended up in the ditch.

After the driver tried to flee the scene twice, the officer, fearing for the safety of numerous vehicles in the immediate vicinity, shot the left front tire of the 4-Runner to prevent it from leaving, according to a news release from the sheriff's department.

Lorelee Young is charged with misdemeanor drinking and driving, felony aggravated assault on a police officer and felony fleeing from an officer.

A passenger, Alan Young, 44 of Sandpoint, is charged with misdemeanor resisting arrest and obstructing an officer.