Hauser, ID: On 05-29-2020, at around midnight, the Kootenai County Sheriff’s Office received a report of a fight where someone had a head injury. It was also reported the suspect had a knife and was possibly leaving the area in a black vehicle. Deputies responded to the area and located a vehicle matching the description leaving the area at a high rate of speed. Deputies attempted to stop the vehicle but the driver refused to stop and a pursuit was started. The pursuit went into Washington to the area of Evergreen and Trent.
Several Washington Law Enforcement agencies assisted in the pursuit that ended up in a parking lot surrounded by fencing. The suspect started doing donuts in the parking lot then focused on a Kootenai County Deputy and intentionally rammed into the patrol vehicle. The pursuit continued through a chain link fence until the suspect lost control and struck a tree. He was taken into custody by Washington Law Enforcement for Eluding and Aggravated Assault.
The driver was identified as Cole J. Rhodes, a 36 year old male from Sacramento, Ca.
During the investigation of the fight, it was learned the victim sustained sever bruising of the face and had a large laceration on his head, possibly caused by the knife, that required medical attention.
Based on the evidence at the scene, the injuries to the victim and statements made a report was completed and request was made to charge Cole with attempted murder. This investigation is ongoing and more information will be released when available.
Sheriff Ben Wolfinger
By: Lt. Ryan Higgins
20-20057