Lapwai man arrested after vehicle reportedly hits house

Tribune

A Lapwai man was arrested after allegedly driving his car into the side of a house early Saturday morning, according to a news release from the Lewiston Police Department.

Esaid Maldonado-Leal, 25, was arrested for investigation of driving under the influence and reckless driving, both misdemeanors, after allegedly attempting to physically resist police officers. He is currently in the Nez Perce County Jail.

The alleged incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. Saturday when police attempted to stop a 2008 Jeep Grand Cherokee for making an illegal turn from Thain Road south onto 10th Street. Maldonado-Leal, who was reportedly driving the Jeep, continued traveling southbound on 10th Street, sped up and ran a red light at Bryden Avenue. Police said he continued southbound until he failed to make a left turn onto Burrell Avenue, struck a utility pole and then the side of a house at the southeast corner of Burrell Avenue and 10th Street.

A small altercation then broke out between police and Maldonado-Leal before he was taken into custody, police said.

Maldonado-Leal was not injured in the accident.

The utility pole sustained no significant damage. The damage to the house has not yet been estimated.