A late-night pursuit of a stolen vehicle in Pierce County took a dangerous turn when a suspect allegedly threw a chainsaw at pursuing deputies.
Pierce County sheriff’s deputies responded around 11:50 p.m. Sunday, April 19, after a caller reported her vehicle had just been stolen from an apartment complex in the Parkland area, the agency said.
Minutes later, a K9 deputy spotted the vehicle as it attempted to leave the area. Deputies tried to stop the driver, but the vehicle fled, leading to a pursuit that continued onto Interstate 5 southbound.
During the chase, video captured one suspect throwing a chainsaw and rope-like items out of the window in an attempt to disable or crash the pursuing patrol vehicles, according to the sheriff’s office.
The suspects exited I-5 near the Joint Base Lewis-McChord logistics gate, where the vehicle became stuck. Both men then ran from the vehicle on foot.
Deputies established a containment area and began a K9 track. A 31-year-old man, identified as the passenger, was located by the K9 and taken into custody after being bitten, according to the sheriff’s office. He was transported to a local hospital for treatment.
Prosecutors are expected to charge him with possessing motor vehicle theft tools, eluding, and first-degree assault for allegedly throwing the chainsaw and other items at deputies.
A short time later, a 28-year-old man identified as the driver was located by military police at Joint Base Lewis-McChord and taken into custody. He was booked on suspicion of felony eluding and motor vehicle theft.
Watch video of the incident here.
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