An Illinois man has been identified as the suspect that shut down I-84 from a police pursuit on March 2nd, 2016.
At approximately 4:44 p.m., Idaho State Police received a traffic complaint that a white Ford Ranger was driving recklessly on I-84 near milepost 22 in Canyon County.
The driver who was headed westbound, illegally turned around in the center median and almost hit several vehicles. The suspect then drove on the right shoulder passing cars including a motorhome.
A trooper saw the vehicle headed eastbound on I-84 near milepost 33 and attempted to make a traffic stop.
The suspect did not comply and a pursuit was initiated.
The vehicle headed toward Meridian and troopers positioned patrol cars to slow traffic down for the safety for other drivers.
A spike strip was deployed but the driver went around the spikes.
Troopers conducted a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle and caused the suspect to spin out in the middle of I-84.
The suspect was identified as Jonathan Edward Popelar, 23, of Lovepark, Illinois.
Popelar was charged with misdemeanor eluding a peace officer, driving under the influence, and possession of marijuana and drug paraphernalia.
