Followup: What sparked the chase, crash that closed Roxbury

New information today about the chase and crash (WSB coverage here) that first caused quite the spectacle through Highland Park (and points southward), then closed SW Roxbury at 8th SW for more than four hours Sunday afternoon/evening. We spoke with King County Sheriff’s Office Sgt. Jim Laing, who shared details from the preliminary report: It started when deputies tried to pull over a vehicle at 156th and 1st S, and instead of stopping, it took off. = apparently, Sgt. Laing says, because the driver not only had a $10,000 warrant out for his arrest (related to a protection order), but also because he was under the influence of drugs (both of which, according to the report, he confessed when finally arrested). After a pursuit that led all the way into Highland Park and then back south, a deputy tried the so-called PIT Maneuver to stop the car – and it worked. Along the way, though, according to Sgt. Laing, three patrol cars had front-end damage, and three citizens’ cars were hit, with minor damage – the early version of the report didn’t say where that happened (though one of them has added a comment following our original story). The only person hurt was the suspect, taken to Harborview Medical Center with minor injuries. Sgt. Laing adds a postscript: There was a second person in the car but as all this was unfolding, that person wanted out – so they hit the driver repeatedly, till he slowed down so the passenger could get out of the car.

11 Replies to "Followup: What sparked the chase, crash that closed Roxbury"

  • coffee August 16, 2010 (12:48 pm)

    Just like TRU TV!

  • CMP August 16, 2010 (1:49 pm)

    Thanks for the follow up WSB! Given the reported high speeds they were traveling, I’m surprised the end crash wasn’t more spectacular. Also relieved because I probably would have been impacted by it since there was only one car separating me from the Geo Metro on Roxbury. Pretty crazy to watch it all unfold right in front of you!

    Someone mentioned earlier that the high speed chase was probably unnecessary and put the public at risk. That certainly crossed my mind as I left the scene. However, I thought the officers handled it quite well and appeared much more calm than I felt.

    • WSB August 16, 2010 (1:55 pm)

      I don’t think I got this into the story and am running out again right now but – Sgt. Laing mentioned the driver had various misdemeanor warrants out as well as the $10K “protection order” too, fwiw – TR

  • Jim P. August 16, 2010 (2:44 pm)

    “Someone mentioned earlier that the high speed chase was probably unnecessary and put the public at risk.”

    One wonders why the cops always seem to get the blame as opposed to the crook who rockets off and runs red lights at high speed and refuses to stop while endangering everyone in his/her path?

  • Ruth August 16, 2010 (2:54 pm)

    Hi Jim,
    Agreed, the bad guy was endangering all with his driving, but I counted 7 police cars in high speed pursuit on 9th and one hit a manhole cover flipping it under a moving vehicle. If one speeding car is bad how crazy is eight?

  • bridge to somewhere August 16, 2010 (2:58 pm)

    I’m with Jim. I’m glad they stopped the dude, (and I’m guessing the person who filed the protection order against him is too). The bottom line is you’ve got to stop for the police. Even (especially) when you have warrants. We don’t want to create a culture where police won’t pursue you if you drive fast enough or endanger people–that will only incentivize criminals to run every time and put citizens at risk.

  • Ex-Westwood Resident August 16, 2010 (2:59 pm)

    +1 Jim P!!!!!

  • Silly Goose August 16, 2010 (3:16 pm)

    Well done officers!! It was handled at a high rate of speed because the idiot under the influence with a warrant took off at a high rate of speed!! He set the pace, they officer just used their professional training to end this situation at a fast pace before anyone was seriously hurt and they were successful!!! Thank you King County and Burien Officers for getting this loser off of the streets.

  • lenguamor August 16, 2010 (3:44 pm)

    Kudos to the cops, but it won’t matter; the jerk will no doubt be out soon on ridiculously low bail, free to be the same asshat and danger to those around him that he was before his capture.

  • Dan August 16, 2010 (4:09 pm)

    Three cheers for a successful PIT!

  • Sherri P August 17, 2010 (5:17 pm)

    I saw it happening southbound on 9th and east to Henderson. All officers had lights and sirens going, traffic was light. I agree with the comments by Jim P and the bridge to somewhere.

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