Just before 1:00 a.m. on August 7, a Pierce County deputy spotted a vehicle traveling well over 80 mph with its lights blacked out on 224th St. E in Spanaway. When the deputy attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver accelerated to speeds exceeding 100 mph. With the suspect driving in an extremely dangerous manner and the roads clear of traffic at that hour, deputies initiated a pursuit to prevent the risk to the public from escalating.
As the pursuit continued, other deputies moved ahead and successfully deployed stop sticks, slowing the fleeing vehicle. Once the vehicle was disabled, the suspect crashed into a light pole, causing it to fall onto a fence and an unoccupied parked vehicle.
The driver attempted to run but quickly surrendered and was taken into custody. The passenger was also arrested without further incident.
While clearing the vehicle, deputies located a Glock handgun equipped with a modified switch and an extended magazine in plain view. The vehicle was impounded pending a search warrant. The 18-year-old driver was arrested for Eluding and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. The 22-year-old passenger was arrested for Unlawful Possession of a Firearm. This remains an active investigation.
Dangerous driving at these speeds puts everyone at risk. Thanks to coordinated teamwork and quick decision-making, deputies were able to safely bring this pursuit to an end before an innocent person was seriously injured.