And now the News from Washington State

[Platapus]

Man facing charges after high-speed chase on I-5 with pit bull in driver's seat

https://komonews.com/news/local/man-...n-drivers-seat

A Washington state man was arrested Sunday following a high speed chase on Interstate 5 in which the suspect's pet pit bull may have been driving the vehicle during part of the incident, authorities said.


Authorities have not publicly identified the 51-year-old man who is from Lakewood but he is facing several charges, including DUI, reckless driving, hit-and-run and felony eluding, the Washington State Patrol said. It was not immediately clear where he was being held or if bond has been set in the case.


The pursuit began in south King County and wound up in north Snohomish County before the suspect and dog were stopped.


According to troopers, the man was driving a 1996 Buick when he allegedly struck two vehicles at the Boeing Access exit in Seattle shortly before 1 p.m.
The driver fled north on I-5 and was spotted by a Department of Transportation worker shortly after 1 p.m. at the Snohomish River Bridge near Mile Marker 195.


Officials said the vehicle was traveling over 100 miles per hour when troopers began pursuing it around the Stanwood/Bryant Road exit.
The driver left the freeway and drove onto nearby Centennial Trail.
The pursuit ended at Kackman Road and Grandview Trail.


Troopers said the man told them he was teaching his dog how to drive and the pit bull was found in the driver's seat while the man was steering the driving wheel.


It was not clear if the pit bull would be charged in connection with the incident.