Chase Ends In Wreck, Multiple Charges

Wed., April 8, 1998

From Staff

Police have identified the driver of a stolen car that led officers on a chase late Monday.

Michael W. Beckley, 24, was booked into the Spokane County Jail on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, attempting to elude police, felony hit and run with an injury, possession of drugs and drug paraphernalia and criminal mistreatment of a child.

Beckley also was wanted for escaping from Geiger Corrections Center. He was driving with a suspended license and gave officers a false name at the scene, police said.

Officers recognized the stolen vehicle and began to pursue it about 10 p.m. Monday. Police and sheriff’s deputies chased the car east on Sprague at speeds of up to 85 mph.

The car ran a red light at Argonne and slammed into another vehicle. It went out of control and stopped in the intersection of Sprague and Willow, police said.

Beckley was arrested after a short foot chase, police said.

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