On September 25, 2016, at approximately 2:00 a.m., Spokane Valley Sheriff’s Deputy Todd Miller observed a maroon GMC Jimmy on Sprague near Progress traveling at 70 mph and accelerating.
Deputy Miller turned around and attempted to catch up to the vehicle to conduct a traffic stop as the driver continued to drive at high speeds and in a very reckless manner. In the area of McDonald and Sprague, Deputy Miller turned on his emergency lights on as the GMC was now approaching Pines. The driver, later identified as 23-year-old Garrett S. Simmons, ran the red light as he turned north on Pines and hit the center divider. Simmons also narrowly missed Sergeant Fox’s patrol vehicle which had its emergency light activated.
Simmons entered I-90 from Pines and continued to flee at speeds approaching 100 mph. He exited at Sullivan and turned northbound. He attempted to turn east on Marietta but was unable to maintain control his vehicle at the speed he was traveling. He went off the north side of the road and struck two trees before coming to a stop. Deputy Miller took Simmons into custody without further incident.
Simmons had poor balance, red glassy eyes, slurred speech and an odor of an alcoholic beverage coming from his breath as he spoke. After being advised of his rights, Deputy Miller asked Simmons how much he had to drink. Simmons answered, “Enough.” Simmons also stated he had Cocaine in his wallet but none was found.
Simmons was given a medical evaluation and blood draw was completed after a search warrant was requested and granted. He was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for Attempting to Elude and DUI.