Dog ejected through windshield during high-speed chase in Pierce County

A dog was ejected from a fleeing vehicle Tuesday morning after it crashed into a ditch during a high-speed chase in Pierce County. The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

At approximately 12:45 a.m., Pierce County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) deputies conducted a typical traffic stop on a vehicle with an expired registration of more than three years, PCSO announced.

The traffic stop took a turn for the worse as the driver of the vehicle decided to accelerate and elude deputies. The pursuit lasted less than 30 seconds after the suspect failed to turn at an intersection and drove straight into an embankment.

During the crash, a large dog was ejected through the front windshield and immediately ran off in the direction of law enforcement.

“The impact drugs have on our community is heart-wrenching, especially when they affect our furry friends,” PCSO Deputy Carly Cappetto said.

Male driver, female passenger taken into custody

A 39-year-old male driver and a 28-year-old female passenger were both taken into custody at the scene. Drugs and drug paraphernalia were located on the male driver.

Deputies discovered another small dog located in the vehicle behind the driver’s seat.

The male suspect was arrested on several charges, including eluding with endangerment, driving under the influence, driving with a suspended license in the first degree, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and animal cruelty in the second degree. The vehicle was seized pursuant to a search warrant.

There was no probable cause to arrest the female passenger. PCSO noted the woman was the owner of both dogs and was released at the scene. The woman later found the other dog that had fled, and both dogs were OK.

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