Driver from Sandpoint crashes stolen car on Highway 2 in Mead

MEAD, Wash. -- A three-vehicle crash involving a stolen vehicle blocked Highway 2 north of Spokane for several hours on Thursday afternoon.

According to Washington State Patrol, a vehicle from Pend Oreille County was reportedly driving 125 mph on Highway 2.

The driver was later identified as 26-year-old Jesse J. Judge from Sandpoint, Idaho. There was also a person in the passenger seat.

A trooper discovered the vehicle was reported stolen and began to pursue .

A new Washington law that went into effect Thursday morning gives law enforcement the authority to chase someone if they have reasonable suspicion that they committed a crime.

Previously, the law only gave law enforcement the ability to chase someone if they had probable cause that they committed a crime.

The trooper stopped the chase due to public safety concerns.

The stolen car then crossed the center divider and crashed into two oncoming cars.

The two occupants of the stolen vehicle suffered serious injuries. According to police, Judge was not wearing a seatbelt during the crash.

The other involved vehicles' occupants had minor injuries.

Judge faces vehicular assault charges upon being released from the hospital.

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