NorthwestFebruary 13, 2004

ASOTIN -- Police chased a stolen pickup truck through Clarkston and Lewiston early Thursday, leading to an arrest for trying to back over a police officer and drug possession. Police also found imitation police gear in the pickup truck.

Matthew Kingen, 27, of Lewiston, was charged with attempting to elude a police officer, third-degree assault, first-degree possession of stolen property and possession of a controlled substance, psilocybin, according to the police report.

Police said the chase began when a truck parked on Critchfield Road sped off when an Asotin County sheriff's deputy drove by about 3 a.m. The chase lasted about 15 minutes at speeds of up to 70 miles per hour. The deputy followed the truck to Lewiston, where Lewiston police joined the chase. Police followed the truck through city streets in Lewiston and back to Clarkston. Clarkston police also helped in the chase.

The truck finally stopped and police said the driver attempted to back over an officer as he approached the car.

The black pickup truck Kingen was driving was reported stolen from Lewiston.

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Asotin County Detective Sgt. Tom White said Kingen resisted arrest. After searching the vehicle, deputies found a leather jacket similar to what a police officer would wear, mace, a nightstick, a police-style flashlight and a plastic gun. They also found a hat with the letters SWAT on it.

"We're not sure what he was doing," White said.

He asked that anyone who has been approached by someone impersonating a police officer to contact the Asotin County Sheriff's Office.

No further information on the chase was available.

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