SUV Crashes Into Tree, Ending Police Chase In Puyallup

On October 6, at approximately 2:13 hours, a Puyallup Police Department officer contacted a vehicle in the parking lot of the South Ridge Apartments located at 2720 South Meridian. The officer suspected the vehicle occupants of prowling vehicles at a business a short distance away.

Upon contacting the occupants and asking for identification the driver put the car in gear and fled the parking lot. While fleeing, the suspect vehicle nearly struck the officer. The officer radioed out a description of the suspect vehicle and direction of travel.

A second Puyallup Police Department officer located the vehicle heading eastbound on 512 from the 31st Avenue Southeast onramp. As the officer attempted to catch up to the vehicle, the vehicle exited 512 at South Meridian. Upon exiting at South Meridian the drive lost control and crashed in to a tree and retaining wall.

The single vehicle collision resulted in serious injuries to both the driver and passenger of the suspect vehicle. The driver and passenger were transported to Tacoma General Hospital for treatment.

The Puyallup Police Department’s Major Collision Response Team (MCRT) responded to the scene and is currently conducting an investigation.  A preliminarily investugation showed that the driver, a 40-year-old male from Lakewood, was under the influence of drugs. He is currently under arrest for Vehicular Assault.