Police Chief, Sherrif join forces in arrest

NEWPORT — Newport Chief of Police Wade Nelson and Pend Oreille County Sheriff Glenn Blakeslee were both involved in subduing and arresting a 25-year-old Newport man after he was spotted wearing a black gator mask while riding an allegedly stolen e-bike Monday, June 2.

“I was heading out and was the closest to help,” Pend Oreille County Sheriff Glenn Blakeslee said. When he arrived, he saw Tony Lambert Jr., 25, of Newport, run into a house. Blakeslee rushed in to help Nelson.

Nelson had chased Lambert, who was wearing the mask, riding the e-bike and violating numerous traffic laws at about 4 p.m. Nelson attempted to stop the e-bike, but he said Tuesday, June 3 that Lambert instead “took off” and ran.

A short pursuit ensued. Lambert fled on foot for several blocks, then entered a residence in the 400 block of South Cass Avenue.

With assistance from the home’s resident, Nelson said he and Blakeslee, who had just left the station and happened to be close to the scene, detained Lambert after a short struggle.

Lambert was charged with possession of brass knuckles, a dangerous weapon; resisting arrest; possession of methamphetamine, a controlled substance; and unlawful possession of a legend drug.

Additionally, Lambert was charged with burglary in the second degree after NPD officer Kajin Tobeck identified him as the suspect in a May 30 burglary at The Club in Newport.

“It’s not often you get a police chief and sheriff on the same arrest,” Blakeslee said.

He said he hadn’t been involved in a physical arrest in some time, he said.

“It was kind of fun,” Blakeslee said. “It gets your heart rate going.”

Gabrielle Feliciano contributed to this report.