By John Lloyd 
A 34-year-old man is facing multiple felony charges after police say he led officers on a high-speed chase in a stolen vehicle before fleeing on foot and running through a stranger’s home in Pocatello.
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According to court documents, Ronald Ray Hymas is charged with felony fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, felony fleeing while being pursued by law enforcement, and a misdemeanor count of driving without privileges. He is also a person of interest in a series of recent storage unit burglaries.
Police say the incident began Saturday when a Pocatello Police officer located a black Hyundai Elantra believed to be connected to the burglary investigation. The officer had previously recovered another vehicle believed to have been stolen by the same suspect, inside which multiple rifles from various storage units were reportedly found.
The officer observed the Hyundai traveling southbound on South 4th Avenue before making several turns through city streets. According to the report, the vehicle slowed in a manner the officer believed was intended to allow the patrol car to pass. After the officer passed, the Hyundai reportedly entered a grocery store parking lot and attempted to immediately exit from the same entrance, behavior police say suggested the driver was trying to avoid contact.
The Hyundai then continued southbound and accelerated across East Benton Street. The officer initiated a pursuit with lights and sirens. Police say the vehicle continued speeding through residential neighborhoods, reaching speeds exceeding 70 mph.
The pursuit ended near the intersection of South 2nd Avenue and East Lawton Street, where the Hyundai made a sharp turn and crashed into the front of a home. The driver exited the vehicle and ran from the scene.
The officer pursued the suspect on foot through an alley and over a fence into a yard. When the officer reached the front of the residence, he observed the homeowner and the suspect on the porch. The homeowner told police the suspect had run through the house. The suspect reportedly stated, “It wasn’t me.”
Police say Hymas refused commands to get on the ground. The officer deployed a Taser twice before Hymas was taken into custody and handcuffed. Court records state that Hymas remained tense and verbally uncooperative during the arrest.
Along the route of the foot pursuit, officers reportedly located a jacket belonging to Hymas, as well as a Walmart gift card, a small white plastic container, a vape pen, and a red-and-white Pokémon ball. During a search, officers also found lighters, keys, cash, and a small knife on his person.
Investigators later confirmed the Hyundai Elantra was stolen. Officers also spoke with a woman who lived in the home struck by the vehicle. She told police the back door was partially open when Hymas entered and walked through the house before exiting the front door. Her husband confronted Hymas as he exited, and the suspect reportedly acknowledged the situation before being pushed outside.
While being evaluated by emergency medical personnel for Taser-related injuries, police say Hymas became increasingly belligerent and made several statements referencing prison. He later went limp and was assisted to the ground by officers and EMS personnel. When asked whether he had used any substances, Hymas reportedly stated he had smoked methamphetamine earlier in the day.
Hymas was transported to the Bannock County Jail and booked on a $25,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on February 18. If convicted on all charges, he could face up to 10 and a half years in prison.
All individuals are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Shawn Henry