A high-speed police pursuit that ended in a multi-vehicle crash in Washington state Friday left seven officers injured and three suspects in custody, according to officials.
The crash took place near the intersection of North Oak Street and West Carlisle Avenue in Spokane, police said.
All individuals involved in the crash, including the suspects, were taken to a nearby hospital for injuries, Spokane Interim Police Chief Justin Lundgren told reporters during a press briefing after the crash.
All of the officers are expected to make full recoveries, according to Lundgren, who notes the conditions of the suspects are not yet known.
Scene of a police involved crash in Spokane, Washington, July 19, 2024.
KXLY
Additionally, a canine that was in the pursuing police vehicle was transported to an emergency veterinary clinic, according to Lundgren, who said the dog is expected to make a full recovery.
Detailing how the high-speed pursuit began, Lundgren said Spokane police started tracking the suspected vehicle at approximately 1:00 p.m. local time as authorities were wrapping up an unrelated search warrant.
Lundgren said an officer recognized a suspect vehicle that was allegedly involved in a drive-by shooting that occurred days before.
Officers initiated a pursuit of that suspect vehicle through a residential neighborhood, according to Lundgren, who noted the car was driving at a high speed.
As the suspect vehicle was attempting to drive through an intersection, it collided with an assisting armored police vehicle, resulting in a crash, Lundgren said.
Subsequently, a pursuing police vehicle also crashed into the suspect vehicle, according to Lundgren.
No one was killed in the pursuit, Lundgren said, adding that a civilian vehicle was approaching behind the armored vehicle that fortunately stopped in time.
The intersection will be closed for several hours for the investigation, officials said.
Seven police officers were injured during a high-speed pursuit of a vehicle connected to a recent drive-by shooting, according to officials. The incident unfolded in the early hours of the morning when officers received reports of shots fired in a residential neighborhood.
As officers arrived on the scene, they spotted a vehicle matching the description provided by witnesses fleeing the area at a high rate of speed. A pursuit ensued, with multiple police vehicles joining in the chase to apprehend the suspects.
During the pursuit, the suspects in the vehicle opened fire on the pursuing officers, leading to a dangerous exchange of gunfire. In the chaos of the situation, seven officers sustained injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to more serious gunshot wounds.
The injured officers were quickly transported to nearby hospitals for treatment, where they are currently receiving medical care. Thankfully, none of the injuries are believed to be life-threatening, and all officers are expected to make a full recovery.
The suspects in the vehicle were eventually apprehended after crashing into a barrier on the highway. They have been taken into custody and are facing a slew of charges, including attempted murder of a police officer and possession of illegal firearms.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis while working to protect and serve their communities. Despite the risks involved, these brave men and women continue to put themselves in harm’s way to ensure the safety and well-being of others.
The community has rallied around the injured officers, offering their support and gratitude for their selfless dedication to keeping the streets safe. As the investigation into the drive-by shooting and subsequent pursuit continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in bringing those responsible to justice.
In the wake of this harrowing incident, it is important to remember and appreciate the sacrifices that police officers make each day in the line of duty. Their bravery and commitment to upholding the law are truly commendable, and we must continue to show our support for these heroes who put their lives on the line to protect us all.
