A brief but chaotic highway chase on State Route 18 in Auburn ended with a stolen pickup’s horse trailer popping into the air and a suspect in handcuffs, as seen in newly released video. Deputies say the incident lasted less than a minute from engagement to arrest, the horse walked away unhurt, felony charges followed, and the defendant has pleaded not guilty.
The short clip, posted by the King County Sheriff's Office, shows southeast precinct deputies chasing a stolen truck towing a horse trailer along Highway 18 toward Auburn just before the trailer briefly lifts off the pavement. According to the sheriff’s account, deputies were dispatched on a report of a stolen truck and trailer, and the driver tried to weave through traffic while attempting to get away. Officials say deputies ultimately boxed the vehicle in, arrested the driver at the scene, and secured the horse.
Short Pursuit, Quick Resolution
The agency says the entire encounter, from the moment deputies initiated the stop, played out in under a minute. The Facebook post notes the horse was “A-OK” after deputies checked on it, and emergency crews reported no injuries to the animal or the officers. Video shows the trailer lift into the air, slap back down onto the road, and then the patrol vehicles quickly close the gap before the arrest.
Charges and What They Mean
According to the sheriff’s post, the King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office has charged the suspect with theft of a motor vehicle, attempting to elude, second-degree animal cruelty and hit-and-run. The defendant has entered a not guilty plea and is scheduled for a July trial. Second-degree animal cruelty is defined by Washington law and carries specific penalties spelled out in state statute. For the legal details, see RCW 16.52.
Why the Video Surfaced Now
The sheriff's office posted the reel on July 3, several weeks after the June 14 chase, offering a quick visual recap that officials say highlights both the fast arrest and the horse’s condition afterward. The timing lines up with prosecutors moving the case toward trial, giving the public a clearer look at how the stop unfolded on the highway. Incidents like this, where a pursuit involves both live animals and busy roads, often spark discussion about officer safety, risk to bystanders and animal welfare.
Court records and charging documents will be public as the case moves forward. Anyone with tips or additional footage from the scene is asked to contact the King County Sheriff's Office. More information and contact options are available through the King County Sheriff's Office.
