Multiple law enforcement agencies across Pierce County assisted in the search and arrest of a suspect who fled the scene of a rollover collision on Wednesday.
Washington State Patrol troopers were on the scene around 3 p.m. for a rollover collision on northbound state Route 167 near 24th Street in Sumner. A Toyota sedan that was allegedly speeding struck a red Dodge Charger. This caused the Dodge to roll several times before coming to a rest in a ditch. The Dodge's driver was unharmed, according to a Washington State Patrol news release.
The other driver, who troopers said had an outstanding warrant for domestic violence assault, was out of the Toyota and ran away on foot. The driver physically ran into the side of a car driving near the scene. They then continued to run off across both directions of state Route 167 away from the collision scene, the release said.
Witnesses nearby called 911 and their information helped troopers find the driver hiding in an underbrush on the side of the roadway. When troopers tried to arrest him again, the driver became "combative" and ran away again.
Lakewood Police Department, Pierce County Sheriff's Department, Sumner Police Department and Puyallup Police Department were called to help in the search, the release said.
Law enforcement later found the driver near a pond. The suspect allegedly fought with officers again and tried to force their K9 underwater before they were taken into custody, the release said.
After being medically cleared, 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 the domestic violence warrant, the release 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 release said.
