Everett police officer badly hurt in wreck

EVERETT – An Everett police officer who works as a dog handler was seriously injured when the patrol car she was driving collided with a Jeep being driven by a suspect in a burglary, officials said.

Officer Suzanne Eviston, a 10-year veteran of the department, had to be cut from the wreckage. She was taken to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle for treatment. Her police dog, Axel, also was hurt, and was taken to a veterinarian to treat an apparent broken leg.

The suspect, who did not appear to be seriously injured, was taken to an Everett hospital as a precaution.

Eviston was in a patrol car headed to a 911 call for a reported burglary in progress at a construction site, when her vehicle was hit broadside by a Jeep. The crash occurred about 7:10 p.m. at the intersection of Hardeson Road and Industry Street in south Everett, Everett police Sgt. Robert Goetz said.

Other Everett Police officers were in the area and rushed to help Eviston. Rescue crews had to cut off the patrol car’s door and peel back the roof to free the her. They also had to extinguish a fire on the underside of her car.

“You can probably tell from the condition of the car that it is pretty serious,” Goetz said.

Two other men were found near the reported burglary scene and also were being detained, Goetz said. It appears that the suspects had piled up tools and metal at the construction site, Goetz said. A BB gun was found in the Jeep.

“It’s certainly troubling for us to hear that one of our officers is hurt or injured on the job, especially when their (injury) causes them to go to Harborview,” Goetz said.

Officers were anxiously awaiting word on Eviston’s condition, Sunday night.

“She’s very well liked by everyone in the department who knew her,” Goetz said. “So there’s a lot of concern. … We hope the news from Harborview is good.”

The Snohomish County Sheriff’s Office is assisting with the investigation.

Reporter Kaitlin Manry: 425-339-3292 or kmanry@heraldnet.com.