A Washington resident is facing up to four years in prison for crimes stemming from a high-speed chase that took place March 21 in Bonner and Boundary counties.  

Patrick R. Springer, 35, pleaded guilty Aug. 20 to possession of a controlled substance, driving under the influence (second offense) and attempting to elude a police officer as part of a plea deal.  

Springer was sentenced to serve four total years in prison — one year determinate, three years indeterminate. He will get 57 days' credit for time served and will have his license suspended until Aug. 20, 2027. Springer will also be required to pay restitution to Idaho State Police.  

When a person is charged with determinate prison time, they are required to serve the duration of that sentence. After completing it, they may be eligible for parole, depending on the circumstance. If they are not eligible for parole, the court will impose additional indeterminate time, if given any.  

According to court documents, Ponderay police officials became aware of Springer after Walmart Asset Protection notified officials March 21 after the Washington man 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).”    

According to the probable cause affidavit, 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.