November 15, 2023
SUMNER, Wash. – The Washington State Patrol (WSP), with assistance from the Lakewood Police Department (LPD), Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), Puyallup Police Department (PPD) and Sumner Police Department (SPD), successfully apprehended a driver who fled from a rollover collision early this morning.
WSP troopers responded to a rollover collision at around 3 a.m. on northbound state Route 167 near 24th Street in Sumner. A red Dodge Charger was struck by an allegedly speeding white Toyota sedan, causing the Toyota to roll several times before coming to rest in a ditch. Thankfully, the driver of the Dodge was unharmed.
During the investigation, troopers learned the driver an outstanding warrant for Domestic Violence assault and attempted to take him into custody. The driver managed to flee foot and ran into the side of a vehicle that was driving near the scene. The driver continued to run across both directions of SR 167 away from the scene.
Witnesses began calling 9-1-1, whose information helped troopers find the driver hiding in underbrush on the south side of the roadway. Troopers again attempted to take the driver into custody who became combative and again fled on foot.
Local law enforcement agencies including the LPD, PCSO, PPD and SPD were called to assist in the search, including a LPD K9 track team and PPD’s aerial surveillance team.
Combined efforts led to the fleeing driver being located near a pond. Once again, the suspect fought with officers and attempted to force the K9 underwater. The driver was ultimately taken into custody.
The driver was medically cleared before being booked in Pierce County Jail for driving under the influence, second-degree assault, third-degree assault, harming a police dog, resisting arrest, obstruction, driving while license revoked first-degree, and on a domestic violence warrant.
This incident could not have been resolved without the help of multiple agencies from across Pierce County and is a prime example of partner agencies combining resources to bring a dangerous situation to an end while prioritizing the safety of the public, suspect, and involved officers.
“The Lakewood Police Department K-9 units are available for request, as needed, by our partner agencies,” said LPD Public Information Officer (PIO) Charles Porche. “This morning one of our K-9 teams answered the call to assist the Washington State Patrol. The team successfully tracked the suspect, and were able to take him into custody with the assistance of other officers/deputies on scene. The Lakewood Police Department values the relationships that we have with other Law Enforcement agencies in the area and are regularly willing to assist as called upon.”
The WSP extends its sincere thanks to all agencies who regularly answer the call for assistance. It is through these partnerships that we are able to continually provide the best in public safety services for the citizens of Washington State.
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Release sent by Trooper John Dattilo, D1 Public Information Officer