Sedro-Woolley police arrested a driver after a pursuit through town that ended in a DUI arrest. (SWPD)
SEDRO-WOOLLEY, Wash. — A Sedro-Woolley police chase ended Sunday afternoon with a DUI arrest after a driver sped through neighborhoods, drove through a yard, and flipped off an officer during the pursuit.
Multiple callers reported the gray sedan driving erratically at high speed across several parts of town. Witnesses told dispatch the vehicle had cut through a yard on the south side of Sedro-Woolley and later passed vehicles recklessly on Highway 20.
An officer located the car on State Street and activated emergency lights and a siren in an attempt to stop it.
“During this time, the driver had the presence of mind to tell the pursuing officer that he thought the officer was number one by displaying his middle finger at the officer,” police said.
However, police say the driver continued at high speed and refused to pull over.
Driver stops downtown as officers prepare spike strips
As additional officers moved into position to deploy spike strips, the suspect abruptly pulled into a downtown parking space and stopped.
The driver then exited the vehicle and began yelling at the officer, demanding to know why he had been stopped.
“While there was a long list of speeding, failing to stop at stop signs, the driver’s license was suspended, attempting to elude police, the officers could smell the strong odor of intoxicants coming from the driver,” police said. “The driver’s eyes were bloodshot and watery.”
The driver was informed he was under arrest for DUI.
Suspect continues resisting after arrest
Instead of complying, police say the suspect resisted arrest. Officers forced him to the ground and took him into custody without injuries.
Once at the Sedro-Woolley Police Department, the suspect continued to behave aggressively in the holding cell.
According to police, he screamed, kicked the door, and struck the walls with his head. Officers placed him in additional restraints to prevent him from harming himself.
A judge later approved a search warrant to obtain blood evidence.
During the warrant service, police say the suspect again resisted and attempted to spit on officers and medical staff. Officers placed a spit sock over the suspect to prevent further assault attempts.
Multiple charges filed
After the blood draw, officers transported the suspect to the Skagit County Jail.
He was booked on the following charges:
- DUI
- Attempting to elude police
- Resisting arrest
- Driving while license suspended in the third degree
- Third-degree assault
Police say the suspect also has multiple prior arrests for obstructing law enforcement.
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