Felon found with hatchet after Spokane police chase

Spokane police found a several weapons - including a hatchet and meat cleaver - in a stolen car after a chase through the lower South Hill this morning. Stephen J. Heidt, 25, was arrested on suspicion of possession of a stolen motor vehicle. He was driving a gray 1990 Toyota 4-runner stolen Tuesday from 16th and Highway 195 when a resident in the 4400 block of east 16th reported a suspicious car in his driveway about 7:30 a.m., police said. Police spotted the 4-runner near Third and Thor 10 minutes later, but the driver took off. The low-speed chase ended when an officer hit the back of the 4-runner with his police cruiser, forcing it into a spin and bringing it to a stop. Police found the hatchet, cleaver and several knives inside the 4-runner. They also found a safe, sport bags and tools believed to have been stolen from cars and homes. Heidt has a history of car theft - he was sentenced to three months in jail last December for felony possession of a stolen motor vehicle and second-degree burglary.