Press Release from Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office
KOOTENAI COUNTY, Idaho — On November 19, 2025, at approximately 8:15 p.m., a Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) deputy observed a Chevrolet Suburban traveling approximately 15 mph over the posted speed limit near the intersection of N. Huetter Rd. and W. Hayden Ave. in the City of Hayden.
Before the deputy activated his emergency lights, the Suburban failed to stop at the intersection’s stop sign, continuing through it at an estimated 60 mph. When the deputy caught up to the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop, the driver abruptly left the roadway and sped into nearby wheat fields.
Deputies pursued the vehicle as it traveled southbound through the fields before re-entering the roadway at high speed, running multiple stop signs and red lights, and committing several additional traffic violations.
At the intersection of N. Huetter Rd. and E. Poleline Ave., the Suburban entered the northbound lane and collided with another vehicle. The driver was taken into custody by the pursuing deputy with assistance from arriving law enforcement units. The victim vehicle was occupied by two adults, both of whom sustained minor to moderate injuries. The Idaho State Police will be investigating the crash.
Deputies later learned the Suburban had just been reported stolen in the City of Coeur d’Alene. Additional crimes related to the vehicle theft are under investigation by the Coeur d’Alene Police Department.
The driver, identified as Blake Cooper, 18, of Post Falls, was medically cleared and subsequently arrested for aggravated reckless driving, eluding a peace officer, and possession of a stolen vehicle. Additional charges from other agencies are expected.
