A driver accused of drunkenness reached speeds of over 200 km/h while trying to elude Franklin County Sheriff’s officers, the agency said in a social media post on Saturday.
On Thursday evening, a white Dodge Charger sped past a deputy on routine patrol and took the northbound ramp to Washington Highway 395, the sheriff’s office said.
According to the sheriff’s office, the driver accelerated and cut off several cars.
An officer managed to catch up with the car and attempt to stop it, but the driver sped away.
As the Charger headed west on Interstate 182, other officers laid out spike barriers. But that did not stop the speeding Charger, the sheriff’s office said.
Due to the speed of the car and the darkness, the police officers lost sight of the car and broke off the pursuit.
The car was later found in the parking lot of Richland WinCo with at least one flat front tire.
Alex Ortiz was arrested on suspicion of drunken driving, hindering prosecution, reckless driving, attempting to flee, ignition interlock violation, and driving on a suspended or revoked license.
Richland and Pasco police assisted sheriff’s deputies in the pursuit and arrest.
