Icy road sends suspected car thief in Lakewood sliding into tree while fleeing police
Lakewood officers arrested a man Tuesday evening who police suspect stole a Toyota SUV. The man was arrested while fleeing from police when the vehicle slid on icy roads and crashed into a tree.
The car was stolen while the owner was dropping off supplies at a coffee stand. Lakewood Police Department spokesperson Lt. Chris Lawler said the car was running while the owner briefly stepped away to unload, and that’s when a man got in and drove away.
A barista at the coffee stand alerted police, and officers followed the car to the 8600 block of South Hosmer Street in Tacoma. Police said the man fled from police, and the car slid into a tree.
The man ran from the crash on foot, but police were able to track him using a police dog. He was arrested and booked into jail for investigation of felony eluding, theft of a motor vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, hit and run unattended and obstructing a law enforcement officer. Police said the man also had an outstanding warrant for third-degree assault.
Police said the car was returned to its owner.
This story was originally published December 29, 2021 at 9:03 AM.
