Police blotter: Driver in high-speed chase was newly released inmate. He’s going back.
Vehicle chase
April 26 – A Gig Harbor Police officer checking for car prowlers on Sehmel Drive spooked a suspicious vehicle, which sped away and began a chase that reached more than 90 miles an hour and ended in a crash, a fire and a foot pursuit.
The fleeing driver turned out to be an inmate recently released from prison to relieve overcrowding during the coronavirus crisis.
The officer began pursuing the vehicle at approximately 11:40 p.m. at the 5900 block of Sehmel Drive. Conditions were clear and dry, and the speeds reached approximately 92 miles per hour. The speeding vehicle crossed over Wollochet Drive at the last second, striking the right guard rail prior to the stop light, and then collided into another guardrail straight through the intersection.
The driver pulled into the gravel parking lot of a gas station in the 6600 block of Wollochet Drive, when the officer used a push bar to stop the vehicle. The driver jumped out, leaving a female passenger behind.
The officer pursued on foot and put the man into custody.
After detaining the passenger, the officer noticed the vehicle appeared to be catching fire. The officer used a fire extinguisher to spray the engine compartment, which stopped the fire.
The passenger said she had a minor injury from striking the guardrail. She said that she was sleeping when the pursuit began. She stated that she and the driver were using methamphetamine hours earlier.
The driver, who was recently released from prison due to the COVID-19 virus, apologized to the officers, saying he was scared and did not have a valid driver’s license.
The driver was advised that he was being charged with felony eluding, misdemeanor obstructing of an officer, and driving without a license. Due to the suspected drug use, the vehicle was seized.
The officer was advised by the responding supervisor that due to COVID-19 precautions, the driver could not be booked. The two were given a ride to Kitsap County where they are staying.
This story was originally published April 28, 2020 at 12:00 AM.