Police chase ends in crash, suicide

A vehicle pursuit in north Spokane County ended early Tuesday after the driver crashed and then committed suicide. Alexander B. McDonnell, 18, died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head, a Sheriff’s Office spokesman said.

Deputy Mike Northway and Reserve Deputy Todd Kusler were patrolling the area of Elk-Chattaroy and Ruff roads when they were passed by a black Acura Vigor, sheriff’s spokesman Cpl. Dave Reagan said in a press release.

The deputies followed and said McDonnell was speeding and driving erratically. When they activated their emergency lights, the Acura sped away, Reagan said. The deputies chased the car nearly to the top of Blanchard Pass, the state border. When it appeared the driver would enter Idaho, the shift sergeant ordered the deputies to end the pursuit.

The deputies pulled over, parked their cars and shut off their lights, Reagan said. A few moments later, the deputies continued driving toward the Idaho border at normal speed. Just over the crest of the pass, they found the Acura in a ditch.

They spotlighted the car and ordered the driver out of the car. As the deputies waited for a response, they heard what they described as “breaking glass.”

Northway entered the woods and crept toward the car. When he got close, he could see McDonnell with blood on his forehead, Reagan said. Both deputies moved in and found McDonnell dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound, Reagan said.

In the car was a semi-automatic pistol, believed used in the suicide. Also found were a .22-caliber rifle with scope and loaded magazines, marijuana, a pipe and cash stuffed into the pocket of the driver’s door.