Traffic Pursuit in Jerome County ends with Arrest

IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE - generated by our News Release ListServer
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IDAHO STATE POLICE NEWS RELEASE
District 4 Patrol 218 West Yakima, Jerome, ID 83338-5904 (208) 324-6000
Fax (208) 324-7897

For Immediate Release: 11/02/2018 9:20 p.m.
Please direct questions to the District Office

On Friday, November 2, 2018, at approximately 1:59 p.m., Idaho State Police attempted to conduct a traffic stop with a silver 2017 Ram 3500 pick-up for speeding near Golf Course Road and West 600 South in Jerome County. Idaho State Police pursued the Ram southbound on Golf Course Road.

The Ram pick-up was driven by Japheth T. Eckles, 34 of Gooding, ID. Eckles drove into oncoming traffic and ran a stop sign while attempting to elude law enforcement. Eckles' passenger, Michael S. Lessly, 33, of Wendell, ID, was transported by ground ambulance to St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center, in Twin Falls, after he jumped from the vehicle during the pursuit.

Eckles was ultimately located and detained by a Twin Falls County Sheriff's Officer in Twin Falls. Eckles was transported by patrol vehicle to St. Luke's Magic Valley Medical Center prior to being incarcerated at the Jerome County Jail on numerous charges including driving under the influence and attempting to elude a peace officer.

Idaho State Police was assisted by the Jerome County Sheriff's Office, the Twin Falls County Sheriff's Office and the Twin Falls Police Department.

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