Pocatello man Tasered after police chase

A Pocatello man was Tasered Sunday morning following a police chase on Interstate 86 in Power County.

Power County Sheriff’s office said a deputy attempted to pull over Christopher Howerton, 35, for a burned out tail light near mile post 56 at 12:30 a.m. Howerton didn’t stop and went off the road at mile post 44. the car went down the dirt embankment through the fence and struck a power pole, deputies said.

Howerton jumped out the car and told the officer he had a firearm and was going to shoot the deputy while holding his arm behind his back.

After other deputies arrived and was told to drop his weapon, Howerton pulled his arm from behind revealing his hands were empty, officers said.

One of the deputies then Tasered Howerton after he refused to comply, they said.

Howerton was checked out by medical personnel and taken to jail.

He is now being held on Felony eluding, two counts of Battery and obstructing and delay, deputies said.