Juveniles lead officers on chase

MATTAWA — Four juveniles led law enforcement officers on a vehicle chase from Mattawa to Royal City, according to social media posts published by Mattawa Police Department and Grant County Sheriff’s Office.

At 10:42 p.m. on Friday, March 27, Mattawa police officers saw a vehicle doing speeds over the 25 mile per hour speed limit. After the vehicle failed to a stop at a stop sign, officers attempted a traffic stop. It was then that officers recognized the vehicle as one that had been reported stolen a few days prior.

Instead of stopping, the vehicle led officers out of town in a high-speed chase. After about 15 minutes, the stolen vehicle turned onto a gravel road. Police lost sight of the vehicle and ended the pursuit. Moments later, a Grant County Sheriff’s deputy saw the vehicle, occupied by four juveniles. Again, the driver of the car did not stop for officers and another high-speed chase began. This chase lasted approximately 45 minutes.

The vehicle led officers up Highway 243, turning onto Highway 26. A few miles down Highway 26, officers from the Royal City Police Department set up spike strips in an attempt to stop the vehicle. The driver avoided the spikes by turning onto a dirt road. Officers continued to pursue the vehicle. The driver finally came to a stop near a canal in the Royal City area.

The four juveniles fled on foot, and a Mattawa police officer and Grant County Sheriff’s deputy followed. They were reinforced by officers from the Washington State Patrol and Adams County.

Grant County K9 Chewbacca found a 15-year-old male and held him until officers could arrest him. The juvenile had two outstanding warrants for taking a motor vehicle without permission. New charges of possession of a stolen vehicle and obstructing an officer were added to his record.

The stolen vehicle was returned to its owner.

Rachal Pinkerton may be reached via email at [email protected].