Fatal wreck following pursuit closes Pierce County roads. Authorities are investigating
At least one person is dead after a serious crash Tuesday afternoon on 144th Street Northwest on the Key Peninsula.
According to a Facebook post from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office, a chase started after officers went to Pierce County to find a suspect in a stolen property case.
“During the contact, the suspect re-entered their vehicle, struck a detective’s vehicle, and fled the scene, leading law enforcement on a pursuit along Highway 302 toward Mason County,” the post said about 3:45 p.m. “During the pursuit, spike strips were deployed but were unsuccessful in stopping the suspect vehicle. The pursuit ended when the suspect collided with another vehicle on 144th St. NW, resulting in a serious collision.”
Deputy Carly Cappetto, spokesperson for the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed to The News Tribune that at least one person died in the wreck. Cappetto referred The News Tribune to the Mason County Sheriff’s Office for further information.
The News Tribune was not immediately able to reach a Mason County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Tuesday evening.
“Law enforcement units are currently on scene conducting an investigation,” MCSO said in the post.
Key Peninsula Fire said on Facebook shortly after 4:30 p.m. that the response to the crash “affected Vaughn Elementary.”
“The area of Wright Bliss and 144th will be closed while authorities investigate,” the agency said in a post. “The road closure may affect bus routes.”
Peninsula School District spokesperson Danielle Chastaine told The News Tribune just after 5 p.m. that she had not yet heard of the crash, and that she would look into what impact, if any, it was having on bus routes.
Further information was not immediately available. Check back for updates.
Staff reporter Julia Park contributed to this report.
This story was originally published February 25, 2025 at 5:30 PM.
