Police use Terminator device, arrest suspect striking occupied tents in stolen car, seize weapons

Information from the Seattle Police Department

Seattle police arrested a 30-year-old man after he was found in a stolen car on May 5 when he tried to escape officers and crashed into several occupied tents, injuring two people.

Police were near Sixth Avenue South and South Snoqualmie Street around 5:40 a.m. when they saw a stolen vehicle with the suspect sleeping in the driver’s seat. Termination devices were deployed and as officers attempted to stop the vehicle, the suspect attempted to flee, causing three tires to flatten.

The suspect drove into a grassy area, striking several occupied tents and two people lying inside. Other people jumped out of the way to avoid injury.

The 30-year-old driver continued to flee from police until the stolen vehicle stopped running. The suspect then tried to hide in a dumpster, covering himself with drywall. The K-9 track led officers directly to the suspect.

He has been arrested.

During the investigation, a weapon was found on the route of the stolen vehicle. The suspect is prohibited by law from possessing firearms. The vehicle was towed from the scene and the remaining items involved in the incident were seized as evidence.

The two people who were hit were treated for injuries at the scene by the Seattle Fire Department.

The suspect was booked into the King County Jail for vehicular assault, unlawful possession of a firearm and possession of a stolen vehicle.