Shots fired during manhunt

By CHANSE WATSON

Managing Editor

KELLOGG — A Missoula man is in custody following a roughly two-hour long pursuit through the city of Kellogg that caused a significant amount of property damage.

On May 11 around 11 p.m., Idaho State Troopers attempted to initiate a traffic stop on 32-year-old Tyle Lee Potts when they witnessed him causing damage to several cars belonging to Dave Smith Motors in the area of West Cameron Avenue and Hill Street.

Idaho State Police Captain John Kempf explained that the suspect then fled in the 2000 GMC Yukon he was using to ram the parked cars, and the troopers gave chase through the streets of Kellogg.

The troopers briefly disengaged when Potts got on Interstate-90 going the wrong way, but then reengaged after he got off in Kellogg and was seen by witnesses.

This is when units with the Shoshone County Sheriff’s Office, Osburn Police Department and Kellogg Police Department arrived to assist.

After causing noticeable damage to vehicles and structures around town, Potts was forced to flee on foot after crashing his vehicle near Brown Street in a failed attempt to get back onto the freeway.

Law enforcement then transitioned from a pursuit to a manhunt within the city. SCSO stated in a news release that during this manhunt, a local officer (OPD or KPD) discharged their weapon. No injuries were sustained by any party as a result.

It was also during this time that additional units with ISP, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office and Coeur d’Alene Police Department’s Tracking/Apprehension K-9 Unit arrived.

The suspect was arrested shortly after the CDAPD apprehension K-9 discovered and immobilized him.

In addition to damaging 11 Dave Smith owned vehicles, Captain Kempf stated that Potts also drove through a metal shed behind United Church in Kellogg on West Brown Avenue and went over grassy areas during the pursuit.

Witnesses state that Potts attempted to steal other vehicles — breaking several windows in the process. He even attempted to escape authorities by jumping into the back of a moving truck, which he was quickly ejected from.

SCSO declined to release any further information due to the active investigation belonging to both ISP and KCSO. More information will become available after both lead-agencies speak with the Shoshone County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.

It is unknown at this time what Potts’ motivations were, but ISP suspects that mind-altering substances were a factor in his behavior.

His bail is currently set at $500,000 and booking reports indicate he is being charged with eluding an officer, use or possession of controlled substance paraphernalia, driving without privileges (out of state), mistreating a police dog, malicious injury to property, aggravated assault and burglary. Kempf added that a “driving under the influence charge” may be added, pending Blood-Alcohol Content analysis.

Undersheriff Holly Lindsey was pleased with how the situation concluded and commended the work of all the participating agencies.

“This incident could have ended very differently for our local law enforcement,” she said. “We are thankful everyone involved is safe and with their families at this time.”