Driver Makes Poor Choice and Flees Traffic Stop
Fearing Jail due to a Possible Misdemeanor Warrant, She’s Now Charged with a Felony
Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies tried to conduct a traffic stop of a vehicle for traffic violations, and the driver pulled over as required by law. However, she fled in the vehicle when Deputies exited their patrol cars and did not pursue her. The driver was located and arrested a short time later when Deputies spotted the vehicle, which was now inoperable after the driver lost control in her haste to escape and struck a curb. She told Deputies she ran because she might have a misdemeanor warrant and didn’t want to go to jail. She indeed had two misdemeanor warrants and received an additional felony charge for Attempting to Elude a Police Vehicle.
On June 27, 2022, at approximately 10:30 pm., Spokane County Sheriff’s Deputies observed a Lexus pull into a parking lot in the 9100 block of N. Division Street. The vehicle had no headlights or taillights as it sped through the parking lot to avoid a red light at Division and Country Homes.
The Deputies pulled in behind the Lexus and activated their emergency lights to conduct a traffic stop. With both patrol cars behind the stopped Lexus, the driver, later identified as 35-year-old Jessica M. Pluid, fled the scene as Deputies exited their vehicles.
With state restrictions severely limiting when law enforcement can pursue, Deputies turned off the emergency lights and began checking the area.
The vehicle was noticed as it turned into a parking lot in the 500 block of W. St. Thomas More Way. Knowing there was only one exit/entrance to the lot, a Deputy turned into the lot with emergency lights activated. Pluid turned around and sped toward the Deputy’s patrol car, which was now stopped. Pluid drove over a sidewalk/curb, south on W. Carolina Way, and south on N. Wall Street at a high rate of speed.
Soon after, Pluid was found inside the vehicle, which was now inoperable after hitting a curb, near the 8100 block of N. Wall. She was taken into custody without further incident.
Pluid was advised of her rights, and she agreed to answer questions. She stated she had forgotten to turn her lights on. She ran when pulled over because she was worried she might have a misdemeanor warrant and didn’t want to go to jail.
A check of Pluid’s name revealed two active misdemeanor warrants, Making False Statements and Theft 3rd Degree.
Pluid was transported and booked into the Spokane County Jail for the two warrants and a new charge of Attempting to Elude Law Enforcement, a felony.
Attempts to contact the vehicle's registered owner were unsuccessful, and it was impounded.
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