Car Clips Cycle Cop; Suspect Captured

Tue., June 20, 2000

From Staff Reports

A Spokane Police motorcycle officer was hit by a car near Witter Pool on Monday. The car’s driver then tried to speed away, according to police.

The officer was not hurt and his bike had minor damage.

The officer was in the Witter Pool area on Mission as part of an “emphasis patrol” reminding drivers of the 20-mph speed limit adjacent to Mission Park.

About 15 minutes after starting the patrol, the officer pulled a speeding car into the pool’s parking lot. The car’s driver suddenly wheeled around and clipped the side of the motorcycle as he sped onto Mission.The officer followed the car to Magnolia, where the driver attempted to turn south, missed the intersection and knocked down a traffic sign, police said.

As the car continued several blocks, the driver threw a bag from the vehicle and stopped, police said.

The officer arrested 19-year-old James Y. Choi and recovered a bag police said held rock cocaine. Choi was booked into jail on suspicion of second-degree assault of a police officer, attempting to elude and possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, all felonies.

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