PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — A 22-year-old man was arrested on Saturday after a chaotic incident involving a vehicle pursuit and a crash that injured four.
The event unfolded at approximately 5:22 p.m. when a Pierce County Sheriff's Department (PCSO) deputy attempted to stop a vehicle near the Alta Apartments on Steel Street South in Tacoma. The driver failed to yield, leading deputies on a short chase northbound.
Deputies terminated the pursuit but deployed a tracking device. They later located the vehicle around South 84th Street and Yakima Avenue, where the suspect was attempting to remove the device. When approached, the suspect fled again, leading deputies to chase him northbound before turning onto Pacific Avenue South.
At about 5:29 p.m., the suspect's vehicle collided with another car near South 110th Street. Following the crash, the driver exited and attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended near State Route 512.
Authorities reported that a firearm was visible inside the suspect's vehicle, which will be seized pending a search warrant. Investigators plan to evaluate the suspect for driving under the influence.
In the crash, one of the involved vehicles caught fire. Four occupants of the other vehicle, including two children, were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. A deputy also suffered injuries and was taken to the hospital.
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is assisting in the ongoing investigation. Authorities advised the public to avoid the area as the scene was processed.