LEWISTON, ID – Bond will remain at $1 million for a 32-year-old Lewiston man who allegedly shot at Lewiston Police officers during a pursuit in early November. Blake Chlumsky was in Second District Court today for a video arraignment during which the Affidavit of Probable Cause was filed. He has been charged with six felonies:
1 Attempted Murder 1st Deg. of Peace Officer or Any Off. Executive or Judicial, Fireman or Prosecutor I18-4003(b)_AT Felony 11/02/2023
2 Attempted Murder 1st Deg. of Peace Officer or Any Off. Executive or Judicial, Fireman or Prosecutor I18-4003(b)_AT Felony 11/02/2023
3 Assault With Intent to Commit a Serious Felony I18-909 Felony 11/02/2023
4 Assault With Intent to Commit a Serious Felony I18-909 Felony 11/02/2023
5 Officer-Flee or Attempt to Elude a Police Officer in a Motor Vehicle I49-1404_F Felony 11/02/2023
6 Enhancement-Use of a Deadly Weapon in Commission of a Felony I19-2520 Felony 11/02/2023
Chlumsky reportedly refused his Notification of Rights and Application for Attorney at Public’s Expense. Judge Victoria Olds appointed a defense attorney for him.
According to court documents, Chlumsky allegedly ran a red light at about 1:50 a.m. on November 2nd at the intersection of Thain Road and 10th Street. That incident was reportedly witnessed by a Lewiston Police officer who activated his emergency lights to stop the car, which was later identified as a 2017 Ford
Focus registered to Chlumsky.
“[The officer] saw the Focus begin to swerve between the southbound lanes as it continued on Thain Road. [The officer] estimated the Focus’ speed at 45 miles per hour. [The officer] saw the Focus accelerate near the intersection of Grelle and Thain Road as it continued southbound,” according to the affidavit.
The officer estimated Chlumsky’s speed to be around 60 miles per hour when he accelerated even more, the document says. The posted speed limit is 35 mph and it was estimated he was traveling at around 70 mph, the affidavit adds.
At this time, the LPD officer allegedly saw the Ford Focus drive into the roundabout’s center at the intersection of Powers Avenue and Thain Road.
“The male driver of the Focus, later identified as Blake Chlumsky, got out of the Focus with [a] firearm. Chlumsky and [the pursuing officer] exchanged gunfire. Other officers arrived on scene. Officers fired at Chlumsky as he continued to fire at them. A suppressed Heckler and Koch pistol was later found at this location,” according to the affidavit.
Chlumsky reportedly got back into his car and fled eastbound on Powers Avenue.
“[A] Nez Perce County Sheriff‘s Deputy…got behind the Focus and activated his emergency lights and siren. Chlumsky continued driving eastbound until he drove off the street and struck [a] retaining wall and utility box at 1523 Powers Avenue. The retaining wall and utility box were both damaged. Chlumsky reversed away from the wall and box before coming to [a] stop,” the affidavit says.
Chlumsky was detained and transported to St. Joseph Regional Medical Center where he was treated for injuries, but as of 9:05 a.m., plans were being made to transport Chlumsky to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Washington.
Chlumsky is set for a Status Conference on December 18th. A Preliminary Hearing was set for December 20th. He is being held in the Nez Perce County Adult Detention Center.
