PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — A 22-year-old man was arrested Saturday following a crash and foot pursuit near State Route 512, according to the Pierce County Sheriff's Department (PCSO).
The incident commenced at approximately 5:22 p.m. when a deputy attempted to stop the suspect's vehicle near the Alta Apartments in Tacoma. The driver failed to yield and sped northbound on Steel Street South.
As traffic slowed the vehicle, deputies deployed a tracking device before terminating the pursuit. Minutes later, the vehicle was located near South 84th Street and Yakima Avenue, where the suspect was seen attempting to remove the tracking device.
Authorities said the suspect then re-entered the vehicle and fled again, heading northbound before turning onto Pacific Avenue South. The pursuit continued until the vehicle collided with another vehicle near South 110th Street and Pacific Avenue South around 5:29 p.m.
The suspect fled on foot but was apprehended shortly after near State Route 512. A firearm was observed inside the suspect's vehicle, which is now subject to seizure pending a search warrant. Investigators will also process the suspect for potential DUI charges.
One of the vehicles involved in the collision caught fire. Four occupants from the other vehicle, including two children, were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A deputy was also injured and taken to the hospital.
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is assisting with the ongoing investigation. Authorities are asking the public to avoid the area as deputies process the scene.