Pocatello man accused of running from police while in possession of meth, fentanyl

POCATELLO — A man constabulary said fled a postulation extremity earlier being recovered successful possession of narcotics and paraphernalia has been charged pinch galore crimes.

Michael Lee Pongah, 40, of Pocatello, faces felonies for eluding an officer, possession of fentanyl, possession of methamphetamine and unlawful possession of a firearm, arsenic good arsenic misdemeanors for obstructing an serviceman and possession of supplier paraphernalia, tribunal records show.

While connected patrol adjacent West Cedar Avenue astir 4 p.m. June 8, a Pocatello Police serviceman stopped a metallic conveyance for not displaying a rear licence plate, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

The car stopped, and nan serviceman pulled down it, but nan car past drove distant “recklessly” and “at a precocious complaint of speed,” nan affidavit says.

The metallic conveyance grounded to extremity astatine aggregate extremity signs, walking astir 70 mph successful a 35-mph zone.

Due to nan vulnerable velocity and reckless driving, nan serviceman ceased pursuit adjacent nan intersection of Poleline Road and Tanager Street.

A short clip later, officers saw nan aforesaid conveyance driving done nan Pine Ridge Mall parking lot, astir causing 3 crashes, according to nan affidavit. Following a “short ft pursuit,” Chubbuck constabulary officers took nan driver, Pongah, into custody.

After Pongah’s arrest, officers searched his conveyance and recovered what was believed to beryllium meth, 2 fentanyl pills — 1 full and 1 crushed — aggregate “loaded” syringes, quiet syringes, torches and a meth pipe, nan affidavit says. Officers besides recovered a Taurus 9mm handgun. Because he was convicted of a felony for attempting to elude an serviceman successful 2010, Pongah was prohibited from possessing a firearm.

Pongah was placed nether apprehension and taken to Bannock County Jail, wherever he was booked and is being held connected a $20,000 bond.

Though Pongah has been charged pinch these crimes, it does not needfully mean he committed them. Everyone is presumed guiltless until they are proven guilty.

If he is recovered guilty, Pongah would look up to 26 years successful prison.

He is scheduled to look successful tribunal Thursday for a preliminary proceeding earlier Magistrate Judge Todd Garbett.