News Story - Idaho State Journal

jbulger@journalnet.com

POCATELLO -- An early Tuesday morning vehicle pursuit on North Gathe Road ended when the suspect lost control of his white Grand Prix on a curve, struck a power conduit pole and sustained minor injuries.

Stephen D. Leischner, 22, of American Falls, was transported to Portneuf Medical Center and treated before being released to law enforcement.

Pocatello Police Lt. Dan Woods said a patrol officer attempted to stop Leischner around 4:20 a.m. on suspicion of driving under the influence near Kraft Road and North Main Street. The vehicle failed to yield and turned down North Gathe Road in an apparent attempt to elude the officer.

"When he got down to the Oakwood intersection area he went off the right side of the road and crashed," Woods said. "When the first officer arrived after the accident, he was trying to exit the vehicle."

Woods said officers quickly apprehended Leischner.

"He was transported to the hospital with minor scrapes and abrasions." Woods said. "He was arrested and incarcerated for suspected marijuana, suspected methamphetamine, felony eluding and DUI."

Idaho Power crews responded to the scene at approximately 5:15 to make repairs to the conduit struck by Leischner's vehicle. Approximately nine homes in the area were without power while the three-hour repair work took place.

Leischner remains in the Bannock County Jail without bond on the eluding and felony possession of methamphetamine charges.

By John Bulger

This document was originally published online on Tuesday, September 30, 2008

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