Couple arrested after high-speed chase with child in stolen pickup

 

FRUITLAND -- A man and woman were booked into the Payette County Jail Monday after leading police on a high-speed chase in rural Payette County.

It all started around 12:30 p.m. Monday, when the Fruitland chief of police attempted to stop the driver of a blue Chevrolet pickup that was spotted traveling at a high rate of speed south on Highway 95.  It was later learned the truck was reported stolen from Boise.

The pickup turned on NW 1st Avenue in Fruitland traveling at speeds up to 90 mph and proceeded through New Plymouth and on to Big Willow Road in rural Payette County.  The pickup left the maintained roadway and went into the foothills off Big Willow Road.  Fruitland City Police officers, Payette County deputies, Idaho State Police troopers and BLM rangers were called to assist. 

The pickup was located by aircraft in a ravine about one mile north of Big Willow Road.  Officers on four-wheel drive police units converged on the pickup to find the occupants had fled on foot.  At around 3 p.m. the suspects were located in a ravine. 

The suspects were identified as Elzie Hatfield, 33, of Payette, and Jennifer Fitch, 28, of New Plymouth.  Fitch’s 3-year-old son was in the pickup during the pursuit and was with his mother when they were located.

Hatfield was the driver and has been charged with possession of a stolen vehicle, felony eluding, felony injury to a child, two misdemeanor warrants, driving without privileges, resisting arrest, and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Fitch was charged with felony injury to a child. 

The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare took custody of the Fitch's 3-year-old son and another 5-year-old boy not in the pickup during the pursuit.

Hatfield and Fitch were arraigned at Tuesday at the Payette County Courthouse.

 

Bond for Fitch was set at $75,000 and $150,000 for Hatfield.  They will be back in court on Nov. 30 for a preliminary hearing.