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$1 million bail for teen charged in car chase, crash

KAYE THORNBRUGH | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 9 months, 2 weeks AGO
by KAYE THORNBRUGH
Kaye Thornbrugh is a second-generation Kootenai County resident who has been with the Coeur d’Alene Press for six years. She primarily covers Kootenai County’s government, as well as law enforcement, the legal system and North Idaho College. | November 20, 2025 12:25 PM

COEUR d'ALENE — A teen is being held on $1 million bail after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle that culminated in a crash Wednesday night, according to the Kootenai County Sheriff's Office.

Blake C. Cooper, 18, of Post Falls, is charged with aggravated reckless driving, eluding a peace officer and possession of a stolen vehicle, all felonies. 

First District Judge Tristan Poorman set Cooper's bail at $1 million, citing the danger Cooper's alleged conduct posed to others. 

"I think you pose a high risk to the community," Poorman told Cooper, who appeared in court Thursday afternoon through a video feed from jail. "Your actions show a complete disregard for the community and respect for property, persons or others. I'm, frankly, unsure what conditions this court could place on you that would ensure law-abiding behavior, based upon the conduct that's outlined in the probable cause affidavit." 

Police said the charges stem from Wednesday night, when a sheriff's deputy in Hayden observed a gold Chevrolet Suburban traveling about 15 mph above the posted speed limit near the intersection of Huetter Road and Hayden Avenue. 

The Suburban allegedly failed to stop at the intersection's stop sign and continued through the busy intersection at an estimated 60 mph. 

According to a news release, when the deputy caught up to the vehicle and initiated a traffic stop, the driver abruptly left the roadway and sped into nearby wheat fields.

KCSO deputies pursued the vehicle through the fields and back onto the roadway. Prosecutors said the Suburban emerged from a field at 88 mph. 

At the intersection of Huetter Road and Poleline Avenue, the Suburban allegedly entered the northbound lane and collided with another vehicle, causing "great bodily harm" to two occupants. Prosecutors said the individuals in the other vehicle sustained injuries, including a broken collarbone and seat belt lacerations. 

According to KCSO, deputies arrested Cooper after receiving medical clearance.

Prosecutors said in court Thursday that Cooper admitted to stealing the Suburban in Coeur d'Alene. 

In Idaho, aggravated reckless driving is punishable by up to 15 years in prison, while eluding and possession of a stolen vehicle each carry a maximum penalty of five years in prison.

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