Man who allegedly fired at deputy being sought in Idaho, Washington
Law enforcement agencies in North Idaho and northeastern Washington are searching for a man who allegedly fired multiple shots at a deputy’s patrol car during a pursuit that crossed state lines Monday night.
No one was injured in the chase, which began around 11:15 p.m.
Bonner County deputies were trying to stop the car due to a traffic infraction, but also because they believed Patrick Geaudreau, 27, of Bonner County, was riding in it. Geaudreau has a “lot of law enforcement contacts” in Bonner County, said Capt. Ror Lakewold, of the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office. The shooting occurred in Washington.
Deputies suspect Geaudreau of being the shooter. They have not identified the driver.
Lakewold said he could see three bullet holes in the deputy’s vehicle, but believed the shooter fired at least five times with a handgun. The suspects attempted to escape law enforcement by driving across a field, but their vehicle got stuck. They took off on foot from an area south of Newport around Spring Valley Road, Elmers Loop and Tweedie Road. They were still at large late Tuesday.
“The most likely threat would be that they will steal a vehicle to flee the area,” Lakewold said, asking that residents keep homes and cars locked and keys stashed away. They are asking anyone who sees anything suspicious to call 911. Lakewold said he anticipates charges will be filed in both Washington and Idaho.
Residents in Pend Oreille County were initially asked not to leave their homes but that the lockdown was lifted, Lakewold said, probably because of police presence in the area. Among the agencies assisting with the search and investigation are Bonner County, Pend Oreille County and Spokane County sheriff’s offices, Priest River Police Department and Washington State Patrol.
Lakewold also praised the work of Two Bear Air, a privately funded search and rescue helicopter that answered a call to help with the search when Spokane County’s Air One had a mechanical issue.