Thurston County Sheriff's Deputies took over a pursuit from Lewis County yesterday after their deputies called off the pursuit after the suspects in a fleeing car called 911 saying that the deputies needed to stop the pursuit as they had a child in the car. 

The incident took place on June 26th, 2023 - Lewis County law enforcement pursued a vehicle for Robbery 2nd degree toward the Thurston County line. Lewis County law enforcement conducted a PIT maneuver, but the driver was able to keep going. Lewis County law enforcement terminated after the fleeing driver called 911 and demanded LE cease their pursuit because they had a baby in the car.

A TCSO unit at the county line spotted the suspect vehicle a short time later and did not observe a baby in the vehicle, only the two described suspects. TCSO engaged in a second pursuit with the vehicle through Bucoda, Tenino, and Rainier. Multiple attempts to spike the vehicle were unsuccessful. 

Pursuing deputies received permission to utilize a PIT maneuver. While moving up to attempt a PIT, the driver called 911 again to report they had a baby in the car and demanded we stop pursuing. A TCSO sergeant monitoring the pursuit advised the suspects to surrender or they would be chased, and they chose to continue fleeing. A PIT maneuver was successfully conducted just outside of Rainier to prevent the vehicle from reaching the populated area of Yelm, causing the suspect vehicle to leave the roadway. 

The driver was non compliant and refused to exit the car. A less lethal 40mm bean bag round was used to break open his window, at which point the driver became cooperative. Lewis County law enforcement responded to the scene and took custody of the individuals. It is believed these individuals were involved in a number of thefts in the Lacey/Olympia area and may have previously fled law enforcement. No child was found to be in the vehicle.