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Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Spokane Valley deputy hits motorcyclist with suspected meth while pursuing another fleeing vehicle

A Spokane Valley sheriff’s deputy hit a motorcyclist early Tuesday morning while in pursuit of a fleeing vehicle.

They deputy attempted to stop the driver at about 2:20 a.m. near Fifth Avenue and Park Road, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

The driver, Levi M. Everitt, 28, began to flee instead of pulling over, according to law enforcement.

Several patrol cars followed the vehicle through parking lots, around businesses and the wrong way on Sprague Avenue before the pursuit was deemed too dangerous and was terminated, according to the sheriff’s office.

Officers spread out and laid spike strips at nearby major intersections, including Broadway Avenue and University Road, where Everitt allegedly swerved toward a patrol car before running over the spike strip.

Everitt continued to drive recklessly, according to deputies, who then tried several PIT maneuvers without success.

Everitt continued eastbound on Trent as sparks began to fly up from his wheels grinding on the roadway, according to the sheriff’s office.

Deputies attempted to conduct another PIT maneuver at the intersection of Park and Trent. As the deputy moved his patrol car into position, a motorcycle failed to clear the intersection and was hit by the oncoming police vehicle, according to statement.

Everitt regained control of his vehicle and drove through a nearby parking lot before turning back toward the intersection and the injured rider, according to law enforcement.

Deputies positioned their vehicles between the injured rider and Everitt’s car. Everitt’s car hit the two deputies’ vehicles, ending the pursuit, according to the sheriff’s office.

The motorcyclist was taken to a hospital with a possible broken leg. Investigators believe the motorcyclist was impaired at the time of the incident and obtained a warrant for a blood draw. Investigators say they found him in possession of a substance believed to be methamphetamine.

Everitt was arrested for attempting to elude a police vehicle, second-degree assault, vehicular assault, reckless driving, driving with a suspended license, unlawful imprisonment and an outstanding felony warrant from the Washington State Department of Corrections.

Everitt told police he ran because he was scared and wanted to see his girlfriend one more time. He also allegedly admitted to using meth about an hour before the incident began.

His passenger, Jacob L. Gier, 26, was arrested for possession of a controlled substance and an outstanding felony warrant.

The motorcyclist has not been charged with a crime, according to the sheriff’s office.