Suspect leads law enforcement on chase through fields, fences

A Washington State Patrol pilot and his airplane proved vital in a local attempt to capture a driver who refused to yield to law enforcement and led them on an hour-long adventure through the rolling hills and coulees between Ritzville and Ralston on Monday, Jan. 30.

The chase began when a resident in the 700 block of North Dewald Road noticed that a white Chevrolet pickup had driven by the residence twice. Sheriff Doug Barger said the resident recalled that the sheriff’s office asked people to be aware of suspicious circumstances and to make an effort to get a license plate number whenever possible.

The unidentified resident followed the vehicle and got the plate number. He even had a chance to talk to the individuals in the truck when they stopped at an intersection near Paha. He told them that he was worried about recent thefts in the area.

Barger said the resident then called dispatch.

As a result, Adams County Sheriff’s deputy Aaron Madison, found the vehicle northbound on U.S. 395. Madison initiated a traffic stop. As he got out of his vehicle to approach the truck, the driver swerved off the shoulder of the roadway, drove through a fence and took off through the fields.

The state patrol had an airplane in the area, monitoring speed along the interstate at the same time. The pilot and several state troopers joined the chase.

“With the help of the three troopers and the aircraft and three of our guys we were finally able to round them up,” Barger said. “I don’t know if we could have kept up with them if it wasn’t for the plane.”

The driver plowed through several fences, in and out of CRP and wheat fields trying to escape law enforcement.

The wet, soft conditions in the country created challenges. Sgt. Stacy Flynn responded to the area with a four-wheel drive vehicle. He picked up WSP Sgt. Steve Morehead and they began a pursuit though the fields.

“The plane kept them close and once the pickup finally got stuck they made the physical arrests,” Barger said.

The driver is identified as Gary D. Hutt, 38, of Spokane. The passenger is Kimberly M. Buche, 30, also of Spokane.

Hutt is expected to face charges for attempted eluding, possession of stolen property and driving with a suspended license.

He could face additional counts of malicious mischief and trespass for driving though the fields and fences.

Barger said he also confirmed that Hutt has two outstanding felony warrants from Spokane for possession of stolen property.

Buche faces attempted eluding and possession of stolen property charges.

The license plates on the truck did not belong with the truck and were stolen from Moses Lake. The truck also had been stolen out of Moses Lake.