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.
High-Speed Mustang Escape Leads to Felony Charges and Long-Term Insurance Fallout
The Charges and the Broader Investigation
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’s also considered a person of interest in a series of recent storage unit burglaries in the area.
How the Chase Started
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 same officer had previously recovered another vehicle believed stolen by the same suspect, inside which multiple rifles taken 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 way the officer believed was meant to let the patrol car pass. After the officer did pass, the Hyundai reportedly entered a grocery store parking lot and immediately tried to exit from the same entrance, behavior police say suggested the driver was actively trying to avoid contact rather than just driving normally.
A Chase Through Residential Streets
The Hyundai then continued southbound and accelerated across East Benton Street, prompting the officer to initiate a pursuit with lights and sirens. Police say the vehicle kept speeding through residential neighborhoods, reaching speeds exceeding 70 mph in areas where people live and children could be present.
The pursuit ended near the intersection of South 2nd Avenue and East Lawton Street, where the Hyundai made a sharp turn and crashed directly into the front of a home. The driver got out and ran from the scene on foot.
A Foot Chase Through a Stranger’s House
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 found the homeowner and the suspect together on the porch. The homeowner told police the suspect had run straight through the house. The suspect reportedly said, “It wasn’t me.”
Police say Hymas refused commands to get on the ground, and the officer deployed a Taser twice before Hymas was taken into custody and handcuffed. Court records state Hymas remained tense and verbally uncooperative throughout the arrest.
What Was Found Along the Way
Along the route of the foot pursuit, officers reportedly located a jacket belonging to Hymas, along with a Walmart gift card, a small white plastic container, a vape pen, and a red-and-white Pokémon ball. A search of his person turned up lighters, keys, cash, and a small knife.
Investigators later confirmed the Hyundai Elantra had in fact been stolen. Officers also spoke with a woman who lived in the home the vehicle struck. She told police the back door had been partially open when Hymas entered and walked through the house before exiting through the front door. Her husband confronted Hymas as he came out, and the suspect reportedly acknowledged the situation before being pushed back outside.
A Belligerent Scene During Medical Evaluation
While being evaluated by emergency medical personnel for Taser-related injuries, police say Hymas grew increasingly belligerent and made several statements referencing prison. He later went limp and had to be assisted to the ground by officers and EMS personnel. When asked whether he’d used any substances, Hymas reportedly said he had smoked methamphetamine earlier that day.
Bond, Hearing Date, and Possible Sentence
Hymas was transported to the Bannock County Jail and booked on a $25,000 bond. He’s scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing on February 18, and if convicted on all charges, he could face up to 10 and a half years in prison. All individuals named here are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.