Stolen Vehicle Crashes After Police Chase in Lewiston

Two suspects arrested after fleeing from police and causing a collision

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A stolen vehicle was detected by the Lewiston Police Department's automatic license plate recognition system and attempted to flee from officers, leading to a crash at an intersection that blocked traffic. The two suspects, Thomas Curd and Nicole Kalousek, both from Spokane, were arrested at the scene.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the use of advanced technology like automatic license plate readers by law enforcement to detect stolen vehicles, as well as the dangers of high-speed chases that can endanger public safety when suspects flee from police.

The details

At around 12:45 pm, a Lewiston police officer performing administrative duties was alerted by the ALPR system to a stolen license plate on a black Toyota 2-door sedan. The officer confirmed the plate and attempted a traffic stop, but the vehicle fled westbound in the eastbound lane towards an intersection. Due to the erratic driving, the officer did not pursue, but the stolen car ran a red light and crashed into two southbound vehicles, blocking the roadway.

  • At approximately 12:45 p.m. on Tuesday, February 25, 2026, the incident occurred.

The players

Thomas Curd

A 41-year-old man from Spokane who was the driver of the stolen vehicle and fled the scene on foot after the crash, but was apprehended by police.

Nicole Kalousek

A 30-year-old woman from Spokane who was the passenger in the stolen vehicle and resisted arrest after the crash.

Lewiston Police Department

The law enforcement agency that used its automatic license plate recognition (ALPR) system to detect the stolen vehicle and initiate the pursuit.

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What they’re saying

“This case highlights the importance of advanced technology like ALPR in helping law enforcement detect and apprehend suspects involved in vehicle theft and other crimes.”

— Lt. Sarah Johnson, Spokesperson, Lewiston Police Department (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The suspects, Thomas Curd and Nicole Kalousek, will face charges related to the stolen vehicle, fleeing from police, and resisting arrest. The crash investigation by Idaho State Police is ongoing.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the risks posed by high-speed chases and the need for balanced policies that prioritize public safety, while also highlighting the value of technology like ALPR in helping law enforcement combat vehicle theft and other crimes.