WATCH: Suspect in stolen box truck rams patrol cars to escape arrest

Suspect in stolen box truck rams patrol cars to escape arrest

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) released new body camera video from an incident in early February, where a driver of a stolen box truck repeatedly rammed into multiple patrol cars to escape arrest.

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. - The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) released new body camera video from an incident in early February, where a driver of a stolen box truck repeatedly rammed into multiple patrol cars to escape arrest.

At around 10:30 p.m. on Feb. 7, deputies responded to the corner of 192nd St. E and 79th Ave. E in the South Hill-Graham area for reports of a stolen truck parked in a driveway.

Deputies on scene were able to identify the stolen vehicle, and found a male driver, a female passenger and a dog sleeping inside.

Bodycam video shows deputies knocking on the window – ordering the driver to show his hands, but he refused. After about the ninth time asking, a deputy could be seen trying to open the door, but the suspect slammed it back shut.

After the deputy smashed through the window, the suspect started the truck, put it in reverse and slammed on the gas.

The suspect then repeatedly rammed both patrol cars before speeding off.

Pierce County Sheriff's Office

Authorities say they could not pursue the stolen truck, because their cars were heavily damaged. The suspect did run over stop sticks, which caused one of the tires to deflate.

A K9 deputy later spotted to stolen truck, and a pursuit ensued.

The PCSO says the truck then crashed into another car, and came to a stop in a nearby ditch. The driver took off running and got away, but the passenger stayed inside.

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A few days later, authorities spotted the suspect inside another stolen vehicle. When deputies tried to stop him, he sped off again.

According to the PCSO, deputies were unable to pursue the suspect, because possession of a stolen vehicle is not a pursuable offense.

The state pursuit law has been heavily debated, with HB 1363 written to give officers back the ability to pursue in some cases, if they have "reasonable suspicion" rather than "probable cause."

"The majority caucus voted unanimously not to move that bill out of rules review," said Representative Suzanne Schmidt, 4th Legislative District (R). "The Speaker of the House could bring it to the floor for a vote, otherwise it’s dead with the motion being voted down today."

Schmidt says a protest is planned at the capitol Wednesday afternoon by those trying to urge lawmakers to pass the bill that would give law enforcement more ability to pursue suspects. Rep. Schmidt says the speaker has until 5:00 p.m. Wednesday to bring the bill to the floor for a vote.

"I hope the House Democratic leadership will change their minds and bring this bill forward before our Wednesday cutoff," said Schmidt. "Concerned citizens, law enforcement, local elected officials and business groups from the district and around the state have shared with me the importance of this issue. It is time to quit letting these criminals take advantage of the law abiding citizens and restore safety to our neighborhoods, communities and on our streets."