A 17-year-old student faces up to six years in Nevada State Prison after pleading guilty Monday to allegations he tried to run down a Douglas County deputy investigating a juvenile party in the Pine Nuts.
In exchange for the guilty plea to felony eluding a police officer, prosecutors won't pursue additional charges and Jaden Rae Pool won't appeal his certification as an adult in the criminal proceeding.
"It's a felony charge and even though you are not 18, you will be treated as an adult," said District Judge Michael Gibbons. "Since it's a driving-related offense, it's likely the DMV will suspend your license for a year or two."
Pool admitted he was driving Sept. 10 and failed to stop for the officer whose patrol car was displaying lights and sirens.
In the course of a high-speed chase through the remote area, Pool admitted causing an accident that resulted in injury to a passenger and destruction of a fence. He also admitted posing a danger to the deputy who was chasing him.
Pool's attorney, Thomas Armstrong of Carson City, asked that sentencing be delayed.
"My client is looking at the possibility of inpatient treatment. He would like the opportunity to complete the treatment before sentencing," Armstrong said.
Pool is out of custody on house arrest.
Prosecutor Laurie Trotter asked that in addition to a prohibition against alcohol and controlled substances, Pool be ordered to abstain from any mind-altering substances.
"He has a history of using mind-altering substances, including spice," Trotter said.
"Spice" is defined as an herb mixture laced with chemicals that mimic the effects of marijuana. It is sold legally over the counter despite efforts by law enforcement to outlaw the substance.
Gibbons ordered Pool not to use any intoxicating substance - legal or illegal - including spice.
"I'm sure you know the court has a lot of discretion in your sentencing. A violation would be held against you very severely," Gibbons said.
According to reports, the deputy said he arrived at the Pine Nuts shortly after 11 p.m. Sept. 10 but was unable to locate the party.
He said he saw multiple vehicles driving in the area, including two which were speeding in a posted 35-mph zone.
Despite the lights and sirens, the suspect's vehicle continued until a dead end or closed gate at the Douglas County transfer station.
The officer said the driver attempted to make a U-turn at the gate and positioned itself parallel to the patrol car. The deputy turned a spotlight on the driver who raised both hands in the air.
The deputy said as he began to raise his handgun, the suspect looked at him and turned his vehicle toward him. As the deputy stood outside the door of his patrol car, the suspect's vehicle continued toward him as he ran to get out of the way.
The vehicle was traced to Pool. His mother brought him to the sheriff's office on Sept. 11 and he was taken into custody.
Pool spent 30 days in juvenile detention following the incident before he was placed on house arrest.
Gibbons certified him as an adult.
