A high-speed chase through Spanaway ended when Pierce County sheriff’s deputies used a PIT maneuver that sent an SUV into a light pole around 1 a.m. Friday, top
A high-speed chase through Spanaway ended when Pierce County sheriff’s deputies used a PIT maneuver that sent an SUV into a light pole around 1 a.m. Friday, toppling the pole and striking an unoccupied parked vehicle in a collision center's lot.
Deputies spotted the SUV traveling more than 80 mph in Spanaway with its lights “blacked out,” and tried to pull it over. The driver allegedly accelerated to more than 100 mph and pulled away.
Deputies farther ahead deployed stop sticks, which successfully slowed the vehicle as the pursuit continued.
Deputies tracked the SUV onto 108th Street South, past the Frugals drive-thru, before using a PIT maneuver to stop it. The SUV crashed into a light pole, and both came to a halt near an onramp to SR-512.
The passenger was taken into custody without issue. Deputies found a Glock handgun in plain view inside the SUV that was equipped with a modified switch and an extended magazine.
The 18-year-old driver was arrested for eluding and unlawful possession of a firearm. The 22-year-old passenger was also arrested in connection with the illegal handgun, deputies said.
Both suspects are expected to have their first appearance in court on Monday.
The chase and crash happened in an area that has seen other incidents involving speeding drivers.
Earlier this summer on June 20, several hundred feet away at Pacific Avenue South and SR-512, a driver who was eluding Pierce County sheriff’s deputies crashed into another vehicle, injuring four people, including two kids.
A sheriff’s deputy was also taken to a hospital for evaluation.
