Seattle police arrest suspect after high-speed attempt to flee turns into crash and drug discovery near Magnuson Park

Seattle, Washington (police blotter) – Seattle police arrested a 45-year-old man early Tuesday morning after a stolen vehicle pursuit ended with a crash near Magnuson Park, followed by a brief foot chase.

Just before 2:00 a.m., officers on patrol in the area of Seattle Children’s Hospital identified a vehicle that had been reported stolen. When police attempted to stop the car, the driver refused to comply and accelerated away at a high rate of speed, prompting officers to pursue.

The chase was short-lived. A short time later, police located the vehicle after it crashed into a light pole near the intersection of Sand Point Way Northeast and Northeast 65th Street. The impact disabled the car, but the driver did not remain at the scene. Officers reported seeing the suspect flee on foot immediately after the crash.

Police quickly set up a search of the surrounding area and located the man running away from the damaged vehicle. After a brief foot pursuit, officers took the suspect into custody without further incident.

During the arrest and subsequent investigation, officers determined the man was connected to multiple offenses. Police reported that the suspect was in possession of illegal drugs at the time of his arrest, including approximately 13 grams of methamphetamine, about 2.3 grams of heroin, and fentanyl pills. The stolen vehicle involved in the crash was later towed from the scene.

According to police, the man now faces several charges, including eluding a police vehicle, possession of a stolen vehicle, hit-and-run, obstructing a public officer, and possession of methamphetamine and heroin. Officers also discovered the suspect had an outstanding $15,000 warrant related to unlawful possession of a firearm.

After being taken into custody, the suspect was transported to a hospital for medical evaluation as a precaution. Once cleared, officers booked him into the King County Jail, where he remains pending further legal proceedings.

No injuries to officers or bystanders were reported as a result of the crash or pursuit. Police continue to emphasize the dangers of fleeing from law enforcement and the risks high-speed chases pose to the public, particularly in residential and park-adjacent areas.