Teens accused in drive-by shooting led officers on chase before car caught fire
The suspects, 14, 17, 18 and 19 respectively, have been charged with offenses including shooting while driving and aggravated assault.
TACOMA, Wash. – Four teenagers were arrested Monday for allegedly opening fire on a Tacoma officer, prompting police to give chase and run away before their car caught fire.
Just before 1:30 a.m., one Tacoma Police Department Officers were on patrol near South Hosmer Street and 96th Street South when they heard gunfire. Tacoma police said the officer saw a car stop in the street and fired multiple shots at him from an open window.
The officer was not injured.
Shelbie Boyd, a Tacoma police officer, said: “We don’t take it lightly. “It’s scary, it’s sad, and it’s disappointing, but in Tacoma it’s not uncommon for officers to be targeted.”
Another Tacoma police officer found the suspicious vehicle and pursued it through the east side of the city, into Pierce County, and onto State Route 512. As the suspicious vehicle rounded a bend on the Steele Street exit, it plunged into a ditch.
The suspects fled by road, and all four were arrested.
The suspect’s car, which police believe was stolen, then caught fire. The Tacoma Fire Department responded to extinguish the blaze, which police said was “spreading rapidly”.
During the chase, police said one of the suspects shot himself in the arm.
Police recovered several weapons from the suspects and placed them on the property.
Deputs from the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department were able to locate the alleged victim of the initial shooting, who told the sheriff’s department he was in a vehicle when the suspects arrested him. head shot at him, and he returned fire. The victims were not injured.
Deputies found 25 shell casings at an apartment complex near the shooting, and bullet holes were found in the victim’s car, several other cars and apartment buildings, according to Sgt. Darren Moss.
The four suspects, 14, 17, 18 and 19-year-old males, were taken to the hospital before being scheduled. According to Tacoma police, the charges include aggravated assault, shooting while driving, illegal firearm possession and possession of stolen property.
“I know that the community is trying to provide situations, trainings and opportunities for our young people,” said Boyd. “Unfortunately, there is an element that is drawing these young people into a life of crime, and sadly a decision at the age of 14, 15 can take away many opportunities as an adult.”
