Speeding DUI Suspect Careens Across Highway as Police Use Grappler

Police in Olympia, Washington, used a grappler to stop a suspected drunk driver who sped from a traffic stop on February 12, blowing through red lights and stop signs in an attempt to evade police. Footage from Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders shows the bodycam footage of the sergeant who initially stopped the driver after seeing him run a red light on Steilacoom Road. After the officer attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled, speeding down Interstate 5 with no lights on after driving in the wrong direction on Martin Way. Footage here shows the officer ramming the car from behind and deploying a grappler, which caused the driver to lose control, veer into a barrier, and hit another vehicle. The driver then refused to exit his vehicle while officers negotiated with him for 20 minutes, eventually cooperating after police deployed a “stingball distractionary device.” Police said the driver, who appeared “extremely intoxicated,” was charged with driving under the influence, reckless driving, and attempting to elude an officer.