Hit-and-run driver flips truck while fleeing cops

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Story Published: Jan 11, 2009 at 5:47 PM PDT

Story Updated: Jan 11, 2009 at 5:50 PM PDT

By KOMO Staff

SEATTLE - Officers say a driver may have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol Saturday night when he crashed into a pickup then drove off at high speed while being chased by police.

The chase ended a few blocks away when the driver lost control of his pickup and slammed into a landmark. His vehicle then flipped over and burst into flames.

Officers were able to extinguish the fire and pull the driver out of the pickup to safety.

Seattle police say the incident began a few minutes before midnight on Saturday when officers witnessed the suspect, who was driving a silver Dodge Durango, hit a Toyota Tacoma pickup at 23rd Avenue and East Yesler Way.

The officers gave chase, and saw the Durango hit the landmark, flip over and catch fire in the 3200 block of Yesler Way.

After the suspect and a male passenger were pulled from the Durango, they were taken to Harborview Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect was evaluated for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both. He remains under treatment in the hospital pending charges.

The driver of the Toyota Tacoma was not injured. His pickup sustained minor damage.

The incident remains under investigation.

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