Police chase ends with man jumping off freeway overpass in Washington, officials say

Credit: Scott Olson

Credit: Scott Olson

A man was hospitalized Sunday after a police chase ended with him jumping off an overpass, according to officials.

The incident started around 5 p.m. Sunday near 176th Street and Canyon Road in Spanaway when Pierce County deputies tried to stop a car that they say was being driven recklessly.

Officials said the driver fled and police began a pursuit. During that time, the driver hit at least one vehicle, authorities said. The chase continued in the eastbound lanes of State Route 512 and onto the northbound lanes of State Route 167, where authorities said the suspect got caught up in traffic.

Officials said the driver struck cars on an overpass. His car became so damaged it would no longer run, so he got out of the vehicle and jumped off the overpass, authorities said.

Police said the driver fell at least 75 feet to the brush-covered ground below, near Valley Avenue East. Officials found him with multiple broken bones and a collapsed lung. He was taken to St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma, where he underwent surgery, authorities said.

The other people whose cars were hit suffered minor injuries, according to officials.

Authorities said the suspect will face charges including eluding authorities and eight counts of hit-and-run.

The Cox Media Group National Content Desk contributed to this report.

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