Burglary, chase ends in arrest
COOLIN — A methamphetamine user led authorities on a high-speed chase after executing a brazen burglary at a Priest Lake residence on Tuesday.
Jacob Lansing Utter is charged with burglary, grand theft, felony eluding, possession of meth and drug paraphernalia, unlawful possession of a firearm and an open container of alcohol.
Utter, a 30-year-old Pend Oreille County resident, was scheduled to make an initial appearance in Bonner County Magistrate Court on Wednesday.
A couple lounging on a deck on Horton Creek Road saw a white sport utility vehicle pulling out of their driveway shortly before 6:30 p.m., according a probable cause affidavit. A Yeti cooler was discovered missing, as was $860 in cash. A pair of Glock pistols were taken from a truck and a camp trailer, the affidavit said. A Ring doorbell camera revealed the SUV to be a Toyota Sequoia.
It was later discovered a mobile phone was taken and a tracking application indicated the device was at the corner of Cavanaugh Bay and Eastshore roads. Utter was seen at the same intersection and a Bonner County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop him.
Utter, however, sped of with speeds reaching 76 mph in a 35 mph zone, the affidavit said. Utter drove through a roped off driveway with two deputies in pursuit. Utter tried to drive up an embankment, but was unable to and began backing down. A deputy used the push bumper to halt the SUV and Utter spun his tires trying to get away.
Utter ultimately gave up and was arrested. He admitted using meth earlier in the day and admitted committing the thefts, according to the police affidavit.
Two meth pipes and $4,000 worth of items taken during the burglary were recovered, court documents indicate.
The affidavit said Utter had a felony burglary conviction in 2019, making his possession of the Glocks unlawful, records show.
A preliminary hearing in the case is set for July 15.
Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kkinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.