Reward offered in robbery, chase

Police ended a high-speed chase Thursday because officers deemed it too dangerous to continue. Now Crime Stoppers is offering a $250 reward for information that leads to the arrest of the man thought to be the driver.

Joseph A. Bercier, 29, is being sought in connection with a shooting and robbery July 5 in the 900 block of East Illinois Avenue in northeast Spokane, according to police.

Officer Jerry Anderson spotted a stolen black Acura with Illinois plates thought to be driven by Bercier at Mission Avenue and Marshall Street about 9:30 p.m. Thursday. The driver sped away, and police found the empty car in an alley east of Queen and Crestline after ending their chase because of dangerous speeds, according to a news release.

A police dog tracked the driver’s scent to the home of a relative of Bercier in the 4900 block of North Magnolia Street. A resident living in the 1600 block of East Crown told police a man matching Bercier’s description had knocked at his door and asked for a change of clothes because he was running from police. Officers couldn’t find Bercier at either location.

Police say Bercier is a gang member whose convictions include possession of stolen property and unlawful possession of a firearm and drugs, according to a news release.

Anyone with information should call 911 or the Crime Stoppers Tip Line at (509) 327-5111.