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 15, 2011
Contact:
Trooper Guy Gill
Phone:
(253) 606-1998
E-mail:
guy.gill@wsp.wa.gov
Fiery Crash After Police Chase in Tumwater
Thurston County -- On Friday evening an 18 year-old Tumwater man narrowly avoided death after he crashed while fleeing police in Tumwater. State Troopers identified the man as Antonio P. Gallego of Tumwater. This all started when a Washington State Park Ranger observed Gallego speeding through Millersylvania State Park driving a 2008 Jeep Wrangler.
When the Park Ranger attempted to stop Gallego for the speeding violation, he took off at a high rate of speed northbound on Tilley Rd. failing to yield. Gallego’s driving became so erratic the Park Ranger shut off his emergency equipment and stopped following him. The Park Ranger was able to broadcast a good description of the vehicle to WSP Communications.
A State Trooper responding to the area observed Gallego driving on 93rd Ave near Case Rd Sw. When the Trooper attempted to stop Gallego he sped away once again. Gallego continued northbound on Case Rd Sw. then onto 88th Ave. Gallego failed to negotiate a left hand curve in the roadway striking a utility and power pole knocking them both down in the roadway. The Jeep Wrangler Gallego was driving burst into flames just seconds after he got out.
Alcohol and or drugs were not involved. Gallego only possesses an instruction permit and he told Troopers “I was running because I was scared”. Gallego came out of this with no injuries and was booked on felony eluding charges.
