Thurston County deputy uses grappler to stop DUI suspect during pursuit
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Pierce County, WA - Earlier tonight, one of our detectives attempted to stop a vehicle for traveling 90mph in a 60mph zone on I5. I happened to be just ahead and joined in to assist. The driver fled, and a pursuit was initiated.
The driver struggled to maintain their lane of travel, straddling the middle and fast lane. The driver made it to exit 117 in Pierce County when a deputy with a grappler caught up and successfully deployed the device with WSP’s airplane Smokey overhead.
When the driver exited their car, one of their dogs jumped out and started chasing K9 Igo. Out of habit, I told the dog to “go away”… then quickly remembered we were in the middle of I5. The dog was a good boy and temporarily stowed away in Igo’s car cage while we took the driver into custody (I don’t think Igo liked that).
The driver had 5 dogs in the car that were later dropped off with animal services. The driver stated they were smoking cannabis out of an apple and trying to get to Whatcom County. The driver was placed under arrest for DUI and attempting to elude.
Nice job by deputies to get this driver off the road, and as always, thanks to Smokey for the overwatch assist