IDAHO FALLS — An Idaho Falls man pleaded guilty Monday to various felonies after a woman lost an arm in a car crash that occurred when he was eluding police.
William Stebelton, 34, was arrested in October following a police chase in which he smashed into two parked cars. He was arrested for felony eluding, felon in possession of a firearm, felony possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and failure to purchase a driver’s license.
A felony enhancement was added to the eluding charge due to injuries Stebelton’s passenger endured, resulting in the amputation of her forearm. A conviction of the enhancement increases the maximum sentence by 20 years.
Stebelton appeared in district court Monday before Judge Dane Watkins and pleaded guilty to three felonies as part of a plea agreement.
Prosecutors agreed to dismiss the remaining charges of possession of a controlled substance, resisting and driving without a license.
Police said Stebelton was driving a two‐door hatchback Scion near Woodruff Avenue and Kearney Street and when police attempted to stop Stebelton for a traffic violation, he fled from them at a high rate of speed.
During his flight from police, Stebelton crashed into at least two parked vehicles on the 300 block of Ruth Avenue.
Stebelton and his 29‐year‐old female passenger were taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center to be treated for injuries related to the car crash. Police officials say Stebelton had a gun and methamphetamine at the time of the arrest.
Court records show Stebelton has previous convictions for aggravated assault by use of a deadly weapon, attempted strangulation, possession of a controlled substance, grand theft and possession of forged documents, all felonies.
Stebelton has several felony convictions out of Ada County, and records show he was released from prison and placed on parole in May. According to the Idaho Department of Correction, Stebelton faces up to 20 years of prison time for his previous charges.
Stebelton remains in Bonneville County Jail held on a $75,000 bond. Additionally Stebelton is also held on a parole violation agent’s warrant.
Stebelton is due back in court for sentencing in March.
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