CONNELL - Deputies say a DUI driver driver who attempted to evade capture near Connell is behind bars today. Franklin County Sheriff's deputies responded to reports of a driver heading the wrong way on Highway 395 near Connell late Thursday. The driver, identified as Marcus Angel Rodriguez, was initially spotted traveling southbound in the northbound lanes near milepost 54.
Upon locating the vehicle, a deputy attempted to make a stop, but Rodriguez accelerated, prompting a high-speed pursuit. Officers suspected the involvement of DUI, leading to an authorized chase. The pursuit saw the deployment of spike strips near Mesa, which Rodriguez evaded, continuing his perilous southbound escape in the opposite lanes.
The chase extended towards Pasco, with Rodriguez's speeds reaching an alarming 100 mph. The combined efforts of the Pasco Police and the Washington State Patrol were pivotal as they successfully deployed additional spike strips on Highway 12, effectively halting the suspect vehicle.
Rodriguez was arrested and taken into custody without further complications. He has been booked into Franklin County Jail facing multiple charges, including Driving under the Influence, Attempting to Elude, and Reckless Endangerment.