CHELAN COUNTY — On July 30 at approximately 6:20 p.m., 911 received multiple calls reporting a pickup truck driving erratically near U.S. 2 and 9th Street. Witnesses told 911 that the driver almost hit pedestrians before continuing toward Wenatchee.

A deputy attempted to pull the truck over, but the driver sped off. A deputy observed the pickup truck traveling at approximately 106 miles per hour in a 60 mph zone. The driver exceeded 100 mph multiple times during the chase, weaving through traffic and running multiple traffic signals.

Deputies stated the driver nearly hit other motorists. The suspect nearly hit several cars at intersections he ran through. Washington State Patrol deployed spike strips on the roadway, but the suspect continued driving on four deflated tires into heavy city traffic.

The Chelan County Sheriff's Office used a PIT maneuver to stop the vehicle. The 20-year-old driver was taken into custody without incident. During the investigation, the driver allegedly admitted to driving off because he was under the influence and underage. The driver was booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center for attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle and being under 21 and driving under the influence.

This incident illustrates the dangers posed by drivers who flee from law enforcement in densely populated areas. The pursuit involved speeds that significantly exceeded posted limits, with the driver reaching 106 mph in a 60 mph zone. The use of spike strips and a PIT maneuver demonstrates the escalation of tactics required to stop a vehicle that remained operational despite significant damage.

The admission by the driver that he fled due to his age and intoxication status provides context for the initial decision to evade police. The charges filed reflect both the act of eluding authorities and the underlying violation of driving under the influence while under the legal drinking age. The event reflects the risks to public safety when impaired drivers choose to run rather than comply with traffic stops.