Driver involved in hit and run tried to force K9 underwater before arrest
A driver who fled from the scene of a crash and tried to force a K9 underwater was apprehended early Wednesday morning by Washington State Patrol, Lakewood Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, Puyallup Police Department and the Sumner Police Department.
A speeding white Toyota sedan rolled multiple times after hitting another vehicle before it came to a rest in a ditch on northbound state Route 167 near 24th Street in Sumner, WSP said in a news release. The driver of the other vehicle was not injured.
The driver of the Toyota fled on foot after state troopers discovered that they had an outstanding warrant for the man for domestic violence assault. The driver ran into the side of a vehicle near the scene, and continued to run away across both directions of SR 167.
Witnesses reported to 911 that they saw the driver hiding in some underbrush, and troopers were able to locate the man. The driver became combative when troopers tried to take him into custody, but the driver again managed to flee on foot.
Other agencies then came to the assistance of WSP. Lakewood police brought out their K9 team while Puyallup police brought their aerial surveillance team. The driver was located near a pond, again fought with officers and forced the K9 with officers underwater. However, he was eventually taken into custody.
After medical clearance, the driver was booked into Pierce County Jail for “driving under the influence, second-degree assault, third-degree assault, harming a police dog, resisting arrest, obstruction, driving while license revoked first-degree, and on a domestic violence warrant,” WSP said.
“This incident could not have been resolved without the help of multiple agencies from across Pierce County and is a prime example of partner agencies combining resources to bring a dangerous situation to an end while prioritizing the safety of the public, suspect, and involved officers,” the agency said in the news release.
This story was originally published November 16, 2023 at 11:31 AM.
