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BWC: Wash. deputies tackle man who tried to flee after breaking moving car’s windshield

A Pierce County Sheriff’s sergeant persuaded the man to drop metal spikes he was holding while fleeing; when he did, deputies brought him to the ground

By Joanna Putman
Police1

PUYALLUP, Wash. — Video shows a man suspected of vandalizing moving vehicles attempting to flee on foot before he was tackled by Pierce County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

A 19-year-old was arrested in Puyallup on Oct. 23 after allegedly jumping in front of a vehicle, breaking its windshield and obstructing traffic, the sheriff’s office told Police1.

The incident began around 6:30 a.m. when a sergeant, who was on his way to a training session, was flagged down by a driver who reported that a man had intentionally jumped onto her car and shattered the windshield. The sergeant located the man walking in the middle a road, reportedly impeding traffic and refusing to stop when asked.

After observing the man holding an unidentified object and tossing a shell casing, the sergeant waited for backup to proceed with caution, video shows. When additional deputies arrived, they attempted to use a TASER to subdue the suspect, but it was ineffective.

The man then fled, holding two metal spikes, which prevented officers from approaching him closely. Eventually, the sergeant persuaded the man to drop the spikes, after which deputies detained him. The man resisted arrest and attempted to strike the sergeant during the encounter.

After confirming details with the driver, authorities charged the suspect with malicious mischief, resisting arrest and assault on an officer. No officers were injured during the incident.

The department praised the sergeant’s “exceptional patience” and negotiation skills.

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