Herald staff
MOUNTLAKE TERRACE — A Seattle man tried to flee police Tuesday while an officer dangled partway out of his truck.
The pickup then crashed into an embankment. Both the officer and the suspect were taken to Stevens Hospital in Edmonds. The officer was treated for a sore shoulder and released. The suspect was being evaluated for possible ingestion of illegal drugs, Mountlake Terrace Police Sgt. Craig McCaul said.
The 39-year-old suspect now faces a possible felony assault charge, police said.
Officers responded at 6:55 a.m. to the 6700 block of 234th Place SW on a report of an erratic vehicle speeding and driving over curbs with a driver throwing things into the street. They arrived to find a 2000 Chevrolet pickup. Officers knocked on each door trying to get the driver’s attention, he said.
Officer Scott Burkett opened the passenger door and the driver tried to start the truck. The two struggled as Burkett tried to get the keys, but the man started the pickup and sped way, with Burkett mostly inside the cab, McCaul said.
The man drove about a half-block before the pickup crashed into an embankment. He then fled on foot, but Burkett chased and caught him, McCaul said.
Police suspected the man had used narcotics, because his behavior was erratic and irrational, McCaul said.
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