Kidnapping suspect arrested following high speed pursuit

WALLACE — A Spokane Valley man was taken into custody by law enforcement officials Monday following a high speed chase on Interstate 90 through Kootenai and Shoshone counties.

Idaho State Police (ISP) reports that on the morning of March 12, dispatch received a call stating that an adult female and two juveniles had kidnapped. Troopers were able to locate the vehicle that was suspected of having the victims at approximately milepost 40 near Cataldo on eastbound I90 and attempted to stop it. The driver and accused kidnapper, 28-year old Rodney Bradley, failed to yield to troopers and attempted to escape them.

As the chase approached the Shoshone County line, ISP requested assistance from local units. Available deputies from the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office (SCSO) and officers with the Osburn Police Department (OPD) joined the pursuit at approximately milepost 40, traveling at speeds varying from 60 to 100 mph.

Deputies made two successful spike strip deployments at approximately milepost 54. Then as the suspect continued eastbound, an OPD officer was able to successfully deploy a third set as well. Running on three flat tires, the suspect continued eastbound and even drove into opposing travel lanes for several miles.

The pursuit then passed close by the city of Mullan which caused the Mullan School District to enter a brief lock down as a precaution.

At approximately milepost 70, the suspect lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a snowbank. Bradley was quickly taken into custody without incident and the kidnapped individuals (his wife and two children) were immediately ushered to safety. No injured were sustained throughout the whole ordeal.

The Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office states that Bradley is being charged with one count of eluding law enforcement and one count of first degree kidnapping. At his first hearing on Tuesday, bond was set at $250,00 by the magistrate judge. A preliminary hearing has been scheduled for March 22.

SCSO Undersheriff Holly Lindsey was pleased with the outcome of the incident and thankful to all of those involved in defusing the dangerous situation.

“The Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Idaho State Police, the Osburn Police Department and the Montana Highway Patrol for their assistance in bringing this horrific incident to a safe conclusion,” she said. “We would also like to give special recognition to Shoshone County Dispatcher, Ashley Charvez-true professional.”