Libby woman accused in Idaho police chase deemed fit for trial
CHLOE COCHRAN | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 1 month AGO
BONNERS FERRY — A Libby woman in custody for risking the lives of multiple people before crashing into a dentist's office has been deemed competent to participate in her own defense for the alleged crimes.
Heike Langley, 61, will appear in court Monday, Sept. 21, for a continued preliminary hearing following the competency synopsis.
At the time of publishing, she remains at the Boundary County Jail with her bail set at $250,000.
Langley is charged with one felony count of fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer as well as a charge of resisting or obstructing officers. Authorities allege that she risked the lives of multiple people before crashing into North Idaho Family Dentistry in Bonners Ferry.
Officials became aware of the incident by way of multiple calls reporting that a red Subaru Outback with Lincoln County, Montana, plates was speeding northbound on U.S. Highway 95. Reports indicated the vehicle was driving recklessly into oncoming lanes and forcing vehicles off the road. As a result, one vehicle crashed.
While a Bonners Ferry Police officer checked on the vehicle that had crashed, an affidavit in support of a warrant indicated that Boundary County Sheriff’s deputy Tony Jeppesen and Bonners Ferry Police officer Robbie Bates were able to locate the red Subaru and perform a traffic stop. At that time, the driver was verbally identified as Langley but claimed to not have her wallet when asked for her license, registration and proof of insurance.
Langley denied any wrongdoing when asked about the reckless driving and claimed that she was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Under further questioning, court documents contend that Jeppesen believed her story didn’t line up, as she stated she was “shopping in Sandpoint,” despite her indications that she left her wallet at home.
Langley fled the scene after Jeppesen questioned her story, traveling northbound at a high speed. Officers said they traveled upward of 90 miles per hour to reach her, where she continued to allegedly cross over the center lane of the road. Jeppensen reported traveling approximately 85 miles per hour in city limits.
Jeppesen, the second car in line with her pursuit, reported that he had fallen behind in the chase, locating her vehicle after it had crashed into North Idaho Family Dentistry.
She was placed under arrest shortly after the crash.
Idaho State Police is investigating the incident.
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