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» FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE «
Vehicle Pursuit Ends With Crash & Arrest
06/11/2011
Capt. Ben Stamper
On June 11, 2011 shortly after 1400 hours, the Pt. Townsend Police Dept. was dispatched to a report of erratically driven gray Ford Focus. An Officer spotted the vehicle a short time later on Sims Way, and upon attempting to stop the vehicle it fled at high speed. A lone adult male driver was observed in the vehicle. A short pursuit ensued, but was terminated at the discretion of the Officer on San Juan Avenue due to the danger the eluding driver was posing to pedestrians and other motorists in the urban area.
A Deputy located the same vehicle at about 1421 hours travelling South on S. Jacob Miller Road. The driver then attempted to elude the Deputy, continuing to SR20 where spike strip tire deflators were deployed and 2 other Deputies joined the pursuit. The eluding vehicle continued South on SR 20 to SR 19, and proceeded East on SR 19 at speeds in excess of 80 miles per hour, passing other vehicles using both the left lane and the shoulder of the roadway. The eluding driver continued to SR 104, and proceeded West on SR 104. Another Deputy attempted to deploy a second set of spike strips at SR 104 and Sandy Shores Road, however the eluding vehicle swerved around another motorist and continued West on SR 104 to SR 101, where it continued North. As the eluding vehicle approached SR 20, Deputies reported that at least one tire appeared to be flat on the eluding vehicle. The eluding driver then attempted to pass another motorist, but lost control and drove off the roadway, rolling over and coming to rest on its wheels. The driver self extricated from the vehicle, but was rapidly arrested by Deputies. The pursuit terminated at about 1441 hours.
Deputies arrested 26 year old Matthew P. Norris of Pt. Orchard, WA. In addition to charges of attempting to elude pursuing police vehicles, Deputies found a felony warrant for Norris’ arrest issued for escaping DOC community custody in Bremerton, WA. Deputies are investigating to determine if Norris was under the influence of drugs. Norris appeared uninjured, but was transported by Discovery Bay Fire/Rescue to Jefferson General Hospital for evaluation prior to booking at the Jefferson County Jail.
The Washington State Patrol is investigating the crash scene, and following up a report that Norris may have hit & run another motorist.
The vehicle was registered to a Kitsap County resident, and the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the possibility that the vehicle was stolen.
Deputy Jason Avery examines the wreckage of the 2000 Ford Focus. |
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