The suspect driver was transported to an area hospital for evaluation of minor injuries sustained during the collision
An unidentified suspect was taken into custody early Thursday after attempting to elude police in a stolen vehicle.
On Wednesday (April 26), just after 11 p.m., Clark County Sheriff’s Office and Clark-Cowlitz Fire Rescue personnel were dispatched to a report of a male slumped-over in the driver seat of an unlicensed Ford Fusion, which was reported to have been parked in the 10300 block of NE 52nd Ct.
The driver took-off in the vehicle upon the arrival of the fire engine. The car was observed driving erratically by the fire fighters, who spotted the vehicle again at a gas station near the intersection of NE 72nd Ave. and NE 119th St.
A CCSO patrol deputy located the vehicle driving east on NE 119th St. and attempted a traffic stop. The driver recklessly eluded the deputy, who did not pursue the vehicle. Another deputy found the car a few minutes later, near NE 99th St. and NE 117th Ave., in Orchards.
A second traffic stop was attempted but the driver fled again. As the second deputy was disengaging with the vehicle, the driver failed to negotiate a curve at NE 126th Ave. and NE 95th St., colliding with a large public utility box at the southeast corner of the intersection.
The driver fled the scene on foot and ran into the commercial complex at the 9600 block of NE 126th Ave. Combined efforts from the Clark County Sheriff’s Office, the Vancouver Police Department, the Clark County Sheriff’s Office Air Support Unit, and several small Unmanned Aircraft Systems resulted in the successful apprehension of the suspect, who was located after about an hour hiding between a fence and a row of arborvitae in the commercial complex.
The vehicle was found to have been reported stolen to Portland Police a few days prior. Evidence of recent illicit drug use was observed inside the car. The vehicle was seized by the Sheriff’s Office pending further investigation. The suspect driver has not yet been identified by law enforcement. He was transported to an area hospital for evaluation of minor injuries sustained during the collision.
This investigation is ongoing and further details may be released upon their discovery.
Information provided by Clark County Sheriff’s Office.
Also read:
- POLL: How would you rate the accessibility of Vancouver city officials for addressing community concerns?How accessible are Vancouver city officials to community concerns?
- Budget leader says funding for programs and services is safe, concern is demand for billions in new spendingSen. Lynda Wilson highlights safe funding for services despite looming demands for billions in new spending.
- After evading repeal, will Washington expand its capital gains tax to lower incomes?One member of a prominent Washington think tank suspects lawmakers are considering modifying the capital gains tax to generate more revenue for state coffers Brett DavisThe Center Square Washington A general income tax in Washington state appears to be off the table for now, even as voters retained the state’s capital gains tax by failing …
- Opinion: New audit offers another reason lawmakers should leave the state’s paid-leave program behindElizabeth New (Hovde) critiques Washington’s Paid Family and Medical Leave program, highlighting audit findings of double-dipping and program inefficiencies.
- Opinion: WA turns redder, despite faulty media reports that said otherwiseWAGOP highlights gains in Washington’s November 2024 election, challenging claims the state turned “bluer.”
- Vancouver City Council to host community forum on Nov. 25Vancouver City Council invites community members to share questions and ideas at a public forum on Nov. 25 at Evergreen Public Schools.
- Vancouver Public Schools to run Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy on February ballotVancouver Public Schools Board approves a Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy for the February 2025 ballot to support long-term needs.