Man arrested for leading police on high speed chase goes to court

Michael Angelo Miera was arrested for leading police on a high speed chase and injuring one police officer.

According to the Bannock County Police Department, Michael Miera and his cousin Janeal Miera, led police on a chase through Chubbuck, Tyhee and Fort Hall.

Miera also hit a Fort Hall police officer, sending him to the hospital with a broken leg.

Miera appeared in court Thursday morning for a preliminary hearing.

He was facing one charge of felony eluding and one charge of aggravated battery.

Judge Paul Laggis dismissed, with prejudice, the original charges. The state recharged Miera with one count felony eluding and one count battery with an intent to commit a serious felony upon certain personnel.

According to the prosecutor’s office, the new charges were recommended because they carry a stiffer penalty.

Laggis also set a new bond of $200,000. With the new charges, Miera could be looking at a maximum of 30 years in prison.

Miera’s next court appearance will be June 9.

Miera will also appear in court June 6 for a separate charge of failure to register as a sex offender.