Deputies arrest three after chase

IAN SMAY, Evergreen reporter

Whitman County Sheriff’s deputies arrested three people from Spokane after a high-speed chase Saturday morning.

An officer from the Palouse Police Department was assisting with a traffic emphasis when they noticed a truck matching the description of a 1996 Ford Ranger stolen from Kendrick, Idaho last week, near the intersection of Grand Avenue and Main Street on Saturday, according to a press release from Whitman County Sheriff Brett Myers.

After the officer attempted to stop the driver, he fled towards the direction of Johnson Road where the pursuit eventually led.

Whitman county Sheriff’s deputies took over the pursuit shortly after it began and arrested three individuals after the truck stopped due to a mechanical issue after the approximately 10 mile chase in which speeds nearly reached 75 mph, according to the release.

The driver was 26-year-old Austin Navarro of Spokane, who faces charges of possession of methamphetamine, theft of a motor vehicle, driving with a suspended license and driving under the influence, according to the release.

Deputies also arrested 23-year-old Elza Godun of Spokane on charges of theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, identity theft and providing false and misleading statements. 36-year-old Derrick Bonato of Spokane was arrested on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of vehicle theft tools and possession of a controlled substance, according to the release.

Deputies also recovered another stolen vehicle after the chase Saturday from the Safeway parking lot after speaking with the three. The vehicle is suspected of being stolen from Spokane several weeks ago, according to the release.