South Precinct officers were conducting a routine patrol in their area when they observed a vehicle parked at a gas station with its occupants fast asleep.
When officers approached the vehicle, they could clearly see drug paraphernalia scattered throughout the car and the key in the ignition. The driver of the vehicle appeared to be going in and out of consciousness which is a common indicator of opioid use.
Due to the high probability of the suspect driver fleeing, police placed a tire deflation device known as the “Terminator” in front of the rear passenger tire. Police loudly knocked on the window to rouse the occupants of the vehicle. Several announcements and clear commands not to drive away or a tire would be flattened were made by officers.
The driver woke up and drove off which resulted in the flattening of the rear passenger tire by the Terminator. Police drove in the direction of the suspect vehicle and soon found it at 43rd Street Avenue South unable to continue driving because of a tow truck.
Police gave commands for the suspect driver to exit the vehicle, but when the driver could not find an avenue to escape, he and the other occupants fled from the vehicle.
A short foot pursuit ensued resulting in the apprehension of the suspect driver. The other two occupants were located a short distance away.
The vehicle was reported stolen. Narcotics and drug paraphernalia were recovered from the car.
The 33-year-old male driver was arrested for eluding a police vehicle, possession of a stolen motor vehicle, and driving under the influence. He was booked into King County Jail. The other occupants were identified and released from the scene.