Two suspects fled after a traffic stop and were arrested after a collaboration between the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO) K9 Unit and a Washington State Patrol (WSP) airplane on the night of March 8.
According to TCSO’s news release, WSP deployed their airplane, Smokey, to track the vehicle from above and halt the chase with police vehicles.
The fleeing vehicle crashed into a property off Yelm Highway SE, prompting the two occupants to flee on foot.
TCSO K9 Igo and his handler responded to the scene, and not long after, Igo tracked the driver hiding in a crawl space under a house on the property.
Igo continued his pursuit of the passenger, tracking the second suspect for nearly two miles, eventually taking her into custody.
The driver will be facing charges of attempting to elude, driving under the influence, and possession of a stolen vehicle after it was confirmed that the vehicle the suspect was driving came out as stolen.
The passenger initially provided false identification, “but once her identity was confirmed, deputies learned she had an escape warrant for assault first degree and numerous other warrants,” TCSO reported.
She was booked on charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, burglary, criminal impersonation, and outstanding warrants.
TCSO acknowledged the importance of WSP’s air support, stating that “air support allows units to disengage from vehicular pursuits while still presenting an extremely high likelihood of capture when the aircraft can coordinate a takedown once the vehicle stops driving.”
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