Suspected car thief rams cruiser - twice - while trying to elude police
CENTRALIA, Wash. -- An officer was injured when his patrol car was rammed twice during a chase late Thursday afternoon.
Centralia police spokesman John Panco said the chase began after an officer spotted a stolen car. The driver, who refused to cooperate, rammed the officer's patrol car twice near Euclid and Third.
The officer opened fire, but did not hit the driver, who sped off. The man ditched his car near Fourth and "L" and fled on foot.
The officer could not give chase due to a minor injury sustained when his car was hit. He called for backup, and with the help of canine units, police found the man at Riverside Park at approximately 6:15 p.m.
Joshua A. Fitchhorn, 32 of Seatac was arrested and booked into Lewis County Jail for investigation of several crimes, including first-degree assault and possession of stolen property.
The officer was taken to a local hospital. He has been treated and released.
Centralia police spokesman John Panco said the chase began after an officer spotted a stolen car. The driver, who refused to cooperate, rammed the officer's patrol car twice near Euclid and Third.
The officer opened fire, but did not hit the driver, who sped off. The man ditched his car near Fourth and "L" and fled on foot.
The officer could not give chase due to a minor injury sustained when his car was hit. He called for backup, and with the help of canine units, police found the man at Riverside Park at approximately 6:15 p.m.
Joshua A. Fitchhorn, 32 of Seatac was arrested and booked into Lewis County Jail for investigation of several crimes, including first-degree assault and possession of stolen property.
The officer was taken to a local hospital. He has been treated and released.