Chaos unfolded early this morning as deputies from Pierce County engaged in a high-speed pursuit of a stolen vehicle. According to an official report from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department, the incident began when deputies located an occupied green Chevy Tahoe in a parking lot at the intersection of Garfield St S and Pacific Ave S in Parkland at approximately 1:56 a.m.
Upon attempting to address the driver, the deputies were led on a dangerous chase when the Tahoe refused to yield and proceeded to rapidly accelerate westbound on 122nd St S. During the pursuit, which spiraled quickly into violence, the vehicle's occupants resorted to firing multiple rounds at pursuing officers. In a concerning development, the suspects were even bold enough to brake-check the deputies prior to opening fire, although thankfully no officers were injured in the altercation.
Reinforcements were called as the chase continued, with more deputies, officers, and troopers joining the pursuit, which eventually concluded when the suspect's vehicle crashed into a guardrail on the 9700 block of Yakima Ave S. Following the crash, both suspects fled on foot with one being swiftly apprehended. The second suspect's attempt at eluding capture didn't last long, he was found sleeping in a resident's pickup truck after the homeowner dialed 911, reporting the suspicious activity.
Both individuals, aged 43 and 27, were taken to a hospital for evaluations post-collision before being booked into jail. They now face serious charges of attempted murder, drive-by shooting, and possession of a stolen vehicle. The driver was additionally charged with eluding. During the aftermath, deputies recovered firearms, spent casings, gun parts, and methamphetamine from the scene. As standard procedure dictates, the vehicle was towed, and a search warrant is to soon follow, the Sheriff's Department noted.
