17-Year-Old Facing Five Felony Counts

A 17-year-old Idaho Falls boy faces five felony counts, including charges he tried to ram the cars of pursuing police officers in a May 9 chase.

Arturo Alvarez Rodriguez of Idaho Falls is charged with two counts of aggravated assault on police officers, felony eluding and two counts of escape.

The latter charges stem from two reported escapes while Rodriguez was awaiting juvenile criminal proceedings at the Bonneville County Courthouse in February and April.

“Based upon his age and the nature of this crime, especially based on his prior record, we felt adult charges were appropriate,” said Bonneville County Prosecutor David Johnson.

Though Rodriguez’ juvenile court records are sealed, he has been charged in traffic court with nearly 20 traffic and alcohol citations in the past three years, according to court records.