A night for a Washington sergeant took a turn when a vehicle involved in a drive-by shooting ran a red light and slammed into his patrol vehicle before fleeing the scene.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office said the collision happened on Oct. 9 around 10:20 p.m. at the intersection of 160th St. E and Meridian. The vehicle was a silver SUV and was reportedly involved in a drive-by shooting that had occurred seconds earlier.
The collision struck the driver’s side of the patrol car and disabled it, blowing out one tire. The sergeant behind the wheel attempted to pursue the SUV, but his car had significant front-end damage.
PCSO said deputies later learned the SUV had pulled into the Fred Meyer parking lot near 176th St. E and Meridian, with the suspects reportedly inside the store.
Finding the Suspects
Body camera footage released by the sheriff’s office shows deputies inspecting the SUV from outside through the windows. One of the deputies was reportedly able to see shell casings inside the vehicle, but they couldn’t locate the firearm.
Deputies then prepared to contact the suspects inside the store, but two men matching their descriptions walked out of the store. Deputies then almost immediately placed them in handcuffs without further incident.
In the footage, PCSO identifies both suspects as only the passenger and driver. One of the suspects appeared surprised when a deputy told him he was being arrested in connection with a drive-by shooting.
PCSO said a search warrant was issued, and deputies found an open container of tequila along with spent shell casings inside the SUV.
K9 Finds More Evidence
The following day, on Oct. 10, the sheriff’s office said that K9 Smokey and his handler searched the area where the SUV was fleeing for firearm parts. Investigators reportedly received information that the driver had thrown a gun out of the window shortly after the collision occurred.
K9 Smokey was able to locate a weapon-mounted light in the 16200 block of Meridian. PCSO also said a community member called 911 after finding a matching gun slide, and investigators were able to confirm the firearm was stolen.
Two Men, Multiple Charges
The 22-year-old driver was arrested and faces charges of hit-and-run with an unattended vehicle, second-degree driving while license suspended, vehicular assault, attempting to elude a police vehicle, driving under the influence, drive-by shooting, and outstanding warrants.
The 22-year-old passenger was also arrested and faces charges of first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm and drive-by shooting.
The sheriff’s office said the investigation remains ongoing.
Both men are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.