Man sentenced for leading trooper on dangerous car chase

COLFAX — A homeless man was sentenced to four months in jail after leading a Washington State Patrol (WSP) Trooper on a dangerous car chase near Colfax.

Angel Cartagena, 36, pled guilty to felony attempted eluding on Friday, Dec. 13, after failing to stop for a WSP trooper north of Coflax.

According to reports, Cartagena was going 93 miles per hour in a Prius, with the pursuit ending when the car broke down climbing Buck Canyon Northbound on U.S. Highway 195.

Reports show, the trooper found methamphetamine, a gun and an explosive device inside the car, including a tennis ball filled with gunpowder.

Whitman County Prosecutor Denis Tracy dropped charges for possessing an explosive device and told the court there was no evidence that there was intended use of the device to damage property.

According to reports, the trooper believed Cartagena was driving under the influence of meth.

Cartagena is reported to have a history of convictions including theft of a vehicle in Western Washington and is currently facing another charge of car theft in Western Washington.

According to public records, Cartagena is being held in the Whitman County Jail with a goodtime release date set for 2:15 a.m., Feb. 2, 2025.