Chelan County Sheriff Deputy's expert training ends risky vehicle pursuit

Photo courtesy: Ward Media.

A Chelan man has been arrested for alleged driving under the influence of intoxicants and reckless driving.

A Chelan County Sheriff’s Deputy observed the man, speeding in a silver sedan on West Manson Road Sunday night. As the deputy pulled in behind the vehicle, he noted several additional traffic violations suggesting the driver may be impaired. W

Sheriff's Chief Ryan Moody says when the deputy activated his emergency lights to initiate a traffic stop, the driver accelerated to more than 20 miles per hour over the speed limit. Due to the immediate risk to other motorists, the deputy initiated a pursuit. The suspect continued to flee eastbound toward Manson before turning north onto Golf Course Road, where he briefly attempted to hide from pursuing deputies.

Deputies quickly located the vehicle and attempted to make contact. The suspect fled again, driving southbound on Golf Course Road. At the roundabout at Golf Course Road and West Manson Road, a deputy successfully executed a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT maneuver), bringing the vehicle to a stop.

The driver exited the vehicle and advanced aggressively toward deputies, refusing

multiple commands to stop. The suspect clenched his fists he said, “lets go” and

continued approaching the deputies. A deputy deployed a Taser, allowing deputies to safely take him into custody.

No injuries to deputies or bystanders were reported. The suspect was later identified as Charlie Suarez, 37, of Chelan. Charges against Suarez of attempting to elude police, DUI and reckless driving are being forwarded to the Chelan County Prosecutor’s Office.