A series of distressing incidents unfolded over the past weekend in Pierce County, according to a recent post on the Pierce County Sheriff's Department blog. Ranging from a high-speed car chase to a public lewdness arrest, authorities were kept busy responding to various emergencies and crimes.
On August 31st, a stolen vehicle associated with an earlier robbery led deputies on a high-speed pursuit on Hwy 512, where the driver's attempt to handle a curve at over 100 mph resulted in a crash. The 18-year-old male suspect was found with the stolen firearm and taken into custody after being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. "Charges will be forwarded to a prosecutor for unlawful possession of a firearm, possession of a stolen vehicle, and possession of the stolen firearm," according to the sheriff's department blog. The investigation into his connection with the previous robbery is ongoing.
In Parkland, a woman was terrorized by an unknown male while she was out walking her dog near the Willows Apartments. The man, who initially seemed to wander, followed her back to her apartment and tried to force the door open as she secured herself inside and called for help. Arriving deputies found and arrested the 19-year-old man, who by then had exposed himself and was booked on charges including attempted residential burglary and indecent exposure.
A tragic incident occurred at Lake Tapps when a 55-year-old man drowned despite the life-saving attempts of family members and other bystanders. "Family members and deputies on scene attempted life saving measures until Fire arrived," the sheriff’s department detailed. Firefighters continued the resuscitation efforts; however, the man could not be revived. His identity has not been made public.
Another high-speed chase took place on September 1st, when a 26-year-old male driver was spotted traveling at rates that topped 100 mph. The sheriff’s department blog quoted him saying he was "just trying to get home." However, after leading the deputies on a brief pursuit, the driver elected to stop. The man, who was driving without a license, was subsequently booked for eluding.
