Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
April 5, 2011
Contact:
Trooper Guy Gill #505
Phone:
(253) 606-1998
E-mail:
Guy.Gill@wsp.wa.gov
Tragic ending to morning I-5 pursuit in Thurston County
Thurston County - On April 5, 2011, at 5:50 a.m., a pursuit started after a Trooper on routine patrol southbound I-5 near milepost 113 was passed by a speeding driver. The Trooper was driving a fully marked patrol car and was passed on the right by a motorist driving a silver Ford Focus at approximately 85 mph.
The Trooper positioned himself behind the speeding driver and activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop. The driver continued southbound on I-5 at a high rate of speed obviously attempting to elude the Trooper. A Trooper monitoring the pursuit was set up and deployed hollow spike strips southbound I-5 near milepost 109. It was a successful deployment and the driver’s side front and rear tires of the fleeing vehicle were impacted.
The primary Trooper in the pursuit attempted to use the pursuit immobilization technique (PIT) southbound I-5 near Trosper Rd. when speeds reached 30 mph but was unsuccessful in getting the vehicle stopped. The driver continued southbound and once he reached Tumwater Boulevard (milepost 101) the fleeing driver lost control and collided with the inside jersey barrier blocking lane 3 on I-5.
The Trooper immediately observed the driver of the silver Ford Focus bring his hand up by his head. The Trooper heard a gunshot and the driver slumped down in his seat. While Troopers were securing the vehicle they observed a female in the front passenger seat. The female also appeared to be deceased. Medical personnel responded and pronounced both the 38 year-old male driver and 38 year-old female passenger deceased.
Initial investigation indicated that the 38 year-old driver died from a self inflicted gunshot wound to the head. The Thurston County Shooting Team which is comprised of officers from multiple agencies will be investigating and verifying the initial indication. The 38 year-old female passenger initially did not appear to be shot and there is no indication that she died from collision related injuries. The Thurston County Coroners Office will determine the exact cause of death on both occupants.