Escaped convict sought

A Washington state man and his female accomplice remain at large after alluding an Elmore County Sheriff's Deputy.

At 12:40 a.m., Feb. 4, Deputy Greg Genz attempted to pull over a vehicle for equipment violations. The driver failed to yield to Genz's lights and instead began to serpentine through Glenns Ferry. He eventually merged onto Old Highway 30 and headed toward King Hill with Genz in pursuit.

The suspect crashed the vehicle, a 1997 Honda Civic reported stolen out of Oregon, behind a home on North Idaho Street. The driver and his accomplice then fled on foot. Genz could hear the two running through yards but was unable to pursue them on foot due to the darkness

and lack of communications with dispatch. (King Hill has poor reception for hand-held radios and cellphone) While Genz was waiting for backup the suspects sought out alternate transportation.

King Hill residents Tami and Merv Shenk were awaken by sirens. Peering out the window, Mr. Shenk saw his truck pulling out of the driveway. At first he thought it might be his son going over the home of a neighbor the family looks after. Thinking the neighbor might be in trouble Mr. Shenk headed over to her home but his truck was not there, Mrs. Shenk related during a telephone interview last Tuesday morning.

The Shenks called dispatch to report the stolen vehicle. The second deputy was scouring the area for the suspects when he saw Mr. Shenk standing in a driveway. He took Mr. Shenk's information, but by that time the suspects had fled the area, Genz related.

Dispatch sent out and advisory to the Idaho State Police, Twin Falls office, and the Gooding County Sheriff to be on the lookout for the vehicle.

Mrs. Shenk says she's thankful that the suspects left the area, even if it meant losing a truck. "It could have been worse" if he entered their home or the home of the neighbor, she said.

The male suspect has been tentatively identified as an escaped convict from Washington State but his name is not being released until detectives with the Elmore County Sheriff's Department can process evidence taken from the scene and stolen Oregon vehicle, said Deputy Genz.

The male suspect is a career criminal with a history of violence and should be considered armed and dangerous, Genz advised. The female suspect has a non-violent criminal record.

A BOLO (Be On The Look Out) has been issued over the national law enforcement website, Genz said. When apprehended the suspects face several charges in Idaho including: possession of stolen property, grand theft, reckless driving, alluding an officer and resisting and obstructing.

Shenk's vehicle is described as a white 1988 Ford Ranger with a blue stripe. The license plate number is E103998. Again, the supposed male suspect is considered armed and dangerous and should not be approached.

Anyone with information should contact the detectives office at ECSD, 587-2100.