Driver kicks cars, collapses after blocking traffic with flat, Spokane police say

A flat tire turned into a police situation after a driver became disorderly and then collapsed in Spokane.

Spokane police officers responded to a vehicle blocking traffic because of a flat tire on Freya Street south of Desmet Avenue around 7 a.m. Thursday.

The vehicle blocking traffic has been involved in nine reckless driving calls since Nov. 4.

When the initial officer arrived on scene, the man in the vehicle was uninjured but acting irrationally, according to police.

The officer evaluated the driver and directed traffic while waiting for backup.

As other officers arrived, the driver jumped out of the car and ran through traffic kicking at and trying to get into passing cars, according to police.

Multiple 911 calls from witnesses described the man’s actions and said officers on scene would need help, according to a police statement.

The man collapsed as he ran through the intersection of Freya and Desmet. Officers handcuffed the man and confirmed medics were on the way.

Officers removed the handcuffs and rendered aid as medics arrived on scene. Police said it appeared the man stopped breathing before medics took over and continued treating the man.

The man was transported to the hospital and was in stable condition as of Thursday afternoon.