Death at prison being investigated

POCATELLO - Authorities in southeast Idaho said they are investigating the death of a 48-year-old inmate at the Pocatello Women's Correctional Center.

The Idaho Department of Corrections said Cheryl Ann Spellmeyer was found unconscious in her cell about 10 a.m. Wednesday with an apparent self-inflicted mark from a binding around her neck.

Department spokesman Jeff Ray said prison officials began life-saving measures and called paramedics. Spellmeyer was transported to Portneuf Medical Center where she was pronounced dead at 3:10 p.m.

Authorities said Spellmeyer would have been eligible for parole in September 2012. Her criminal record includes convictions for first degree robbery, attempted robbery, forgery and driving under the influence.

Police: 1 dead after chase ends in gunfire

CRAIGMONT - Law enforcement officials in North Idaho said a man fleeing in a stolen vehicle died following a 50-mile chase that ended in gunfire.

Idaho State Police have not said who fired the shots that killed the man Saturday evening. Police say the man had been released from jail earlier Saturday after being arrested on suspicion of drunken driving on Friday.

Police responded at about 5:15 p.m. Saturday to a one-vehicle crash outside Lewiston. Police said before they got there the man involved in the crash stole a pickup from another motorist.

Nez Perce Tribal Police said they spotted the pickup but the man refused to pull over, continuing southbound on U.S. 95. Spike strips flattened three tires, forcing the driver to stop near Ferdinand.

- The Associated Press