Springer’s arraignment continued to late May
SANDPOINT — A Washington resident was granted a continued arraignment Thursday on charges stemming from a high-speed chase that took place March 21.
Patrick R. Springer, 35, is charged with several felonies and misdemeanors in Bonner and Boundary counties for driving recklessly on Highway 95.
In Ųʹ, Springer is charged with felony burglary, felony attempting to elude a police officer and misdemeanor driving without privileges. His bond is set at $100,000.
In Boundary County, he is facing charges of felony eluding a police officer, felony possession of a controlled substance, misdemeanor possession of marijuana, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia and misdemeanor driving without privileges (second offense).
Springer and his defense counsel motioned for a continuance on his arraignment to continue negotiating a global resolution for the charges in both counties.
A global resolution may be requested when a defendant is facing multiple charges but wishes to resolve them simultaneously — allowing for a single plea.
According to court documents, Ponderay police officials were notified by Walmart Asset Protection March 21 after Springer allegedly stole $300 worth of groceries and merchandise. Court documents indicate when Springer was confronted by police in his vehicle, he “sped up and aggressively turned east on Kootenai Cutoff (Road).”
A probable cause affidavit suggested that law enforcement continued to pursue Springer as he went over 60 mph inside Ponderay city limits (posted at 25 mph). Documents indicated that Springer’s speed exceeded 100 mph once on Highway 95.
He was also documented driving northbound in southbound lanes in an attempt to pass other cars, doing so “in a manner that endangered the property and persons of the public.”
Officials from Bonner and Boundary counties made several attempts to stop Springer, ultimately succeeding just south of Bonners Ferry.
According to a supplemental document, upon his arrest, officials noted a variety of substances and drug paraphernalia in Springer’s vehicle.
If convicted of the Ųʹ charges, Springer could face up to 15 years and 6 months in jail and/or a $101,000 fine. He is scheduled to appear in court May 22 for a continued arraignment where Springer will be asked to enter a plea.