Man flees from deputies, hits patrol car

A man suspected of fleeing from sheriff’s deputies in a stolen car and intentionally hitting a patrol car in Spokane Valley was booked into jail early Tuesday. Hector Rodriguez, 43, was booked on suspicion of unlawful imprisonment/domestic violence, assault, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, eluding, vehicular assault, DUI, resisting arrest and obstructing, a news release from the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office said. A woman riding in the car with Rodriguez appeared to be trying to exit the vehicle or to get Rodriguez to stop, the release said. The woman eventually jumped from the passenger side of the vehicle just before it collided with some trees near Long Road and Appleway Avenue in Spokane Valley. She was injured and was listed in stable condition at a Spokane hospital, the release said. The incident began around 1:30 a.m. near Sprague Avenue and Freya Street when Deputy Jeff Thurman attempted to stop a 2007 Chevrolet Avalanche identified as stolen. During the pursuit, the Avalanche, driven by Rodriguez, hit Thurman’s patrol car head on, the release said. After the Avalanche hit the trees at Long and Appleway, Rodriguez ran from the vehicle and was tracked by Deputy Thurman’s police dog, Laslo, the release said. Laslo found Rodriguez hiding under a deck in a residential area.