PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — A police pursuit that started in Lakewood ended in a large crash on Monday night.
The pursuit started in the area of Steilacoom Boulevard and Lakeview Avenue in Lakewood and ended in a crash about 10 miles away at 116th Street East and Canyon Road East near Frederickson in Pierce County.
Lakewood Police Department said they were in pursuit when the suspect crashed their car into multiple other vehicles at the intersection. Luckily, police said no one was seriously injured.
“I thought somebody was dead for sure,” said Frank Hadaway, a resident who saw the aftermath of the crash. “I mean, the road was blocked off. Usually, they don't do that. But where the crash was, I understood.”
Central Pierce Fire and Rescue had multiple ambulances and engines on scene of the crash that happened around 7:30 p.m.
Lakewood police said five vehicles and seven people were involved in the crash, including innocent bystanders. The suspect was taken to the hospital and then booked into jail.
Police said they did not know if anyone else had to be taken to the hospital.
The suspect was wanted for domestic violence, assault, and kidnapping, police said. A patrol officer recognized him as a wanted suspect, which is when the chase started.
Hadaway said it is unfortunate people were injured, but feel the police did the right thing.
“If the guy's speeding, let it go,” said Hadaway. “But, you know, domestic, kidnapping … So, what do you do? Nothing. Just because you don't want to chase? Then what happens next?”
Hadaway was grateful to hear there were no serious injuries.
“It was nice to know that there wasn't a fatality of any sort, and then they got the suspect,” said Hadaway.
Police did not provide information on how fast the suspect was going at the time of the crash. The impacted section of Canyon Road did not fully reopen for an hour and a half after the crash.