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Caught on camera a foiled police ambush that happened in Lewiston


LPD FOILS AMBUSH.jpg
LPD FOILS AMBUSH.jpg
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Caught on camera, a shocking police ambush, as an officer wrestles with a wanted fugitive, armed with a gun. And where this happened may surprise you. That attack on a police officer happened right here in Lewiston.

Monday night, KLEW News’ Anna Velasquez sat down with Police Chief Chris Ankeny and shows us why he’s releasing this video.

In a split second, a traffic stop turns into a life or death situation. A man comes out of the trunk armed with what appears to be a gun. Lewiston Police Officer Tom Woods wrestles him to the ground. No shots are fired.

“There's only split second to deal with that threat,” said Chief Ankeny. “That officer could have used deadly force.”

But he didn’t and the man taken into custody is 22-year-old Jesse Harrell, who had outstanding warrants for failing to appear in court for cases involving malicious injury to property and driving without privileges. Court records show his criminal history also includes arrests for resisting or obstructing officers.

“Our officer used great amount of restraint in taking the suspect into custody,” said Chief Ankeny.

This is part of the dash cam video from Monday night’s stop. It’s 8:48p.m. and they’re in the 1300 block of 16th Avenue. Officers Woods just pulled them over because it had no license plate. He also had information this car belonged to Harrell, who police had been looking forbut the driver of the car is Harrell’s mother.

“What you don't see is the driver who immediately gets out of the vehicle and confronts the officer who's sitting in his vehicle,” said Chief Ankeny.

Officer Woods orders her back into the car. The chief says she knows her son, wanted by police, is hiding in the trunk.

“The driver of the vehicle then tells our officer not to shoot; it's just a toy gun,” said Chief Ankeny.

Officer Woods has a heightened sense of awareness that somethings just not right. He calls for back up.

” I need assistance immediately,” said officer.

“Shocked as I was to watch that video I just think that it's something that the community needs to see... but here in Lewiston as well,” said Chief Ankeny.

Chief Ankeny said Harrell had brass knuckles in his pocket. He also slipped out of his handcuffs while in custody. New charges include resisting arrest and aggravated assault. Police also arrested Harrell’s mother for obstructing justice.

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