Man leads deputies on chase through Spokane Valley, kicks passenger out of his truck

A man pushed his passenger out of his truck Tuesday night – while leading Spokane County Sheriff’s deputies on a vehicle chase through Spokane Valley.

At about 11:10 p.m., Kevin J. Choate, 47, was flagged by deputies on Pierce Road near East 16th Avenue in Spokane Valley for not having a rear license plate on his Dodge pickup truck, according to a sheriff’s news release. Choate apparently fled, and while driving, kicked his passenger out of the truck, yelling “Get out, I’m taking off!”

The passenger “narrowly escaped being hit by the rear tire of the truck and rolled across the ice and pavement,” according to the release.

Choate led deputies on a chase through Spokane Valley until deputies laid spike traps in the area of Broadway Avenue and University Road, the release said. Choate eventually lost control of the truck while attempting to turn onto Trent Avenue from Pines Road, striking a snow berm and a light pole.

Choate fled from the vehicle, but was caught by the deputy’s police dog Laslo. Deputies saw him throw a bag full of what was later tested to be meth. They also located heroin in Choate’s pocket, and a knife, the release said.

Choate is facing charges of eluding police, hit and run, and possession of a controlled substance.