A Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office deputy rescued a driver from a burning SUV after a high-speed chase ended in Kingston, Washington, authorities said. The driver had reached 111 miles per hour before losing control and striking a tractor in a yard. The crash occurred late Monday night, September 21, after the driver allegedly refused to stop on State Highway 104. The injured man was airlifted to a hospital and faces charges including attempting to elude a police officer and reckless driving.
Body camera footage released by authorities shows the deputy trying to reach the trapped driver as flames spread from the vehicle. A Port Gamble police officer later arrived with a fire extinguisher, allowing officers to remove the man from the wreckage.
| 1) | Traffic stop develops into a high-speed pursuit |
| 2) | SUV crashes into a tractor and catches fire |
| 3) | Deputy works to free the trapped driver |
| 4) | Firefighter and police response enables rescue |
| 5) | Driver faces two criminal charges |
Traffic stop develops into a high-speed pursuit
The incident began at about 11:30 p.m. Monday on State Highway 104 in Kingston, a community in Washington state. A Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office deputy reportedly saw the driver traveling about 20 miles per hour over the posted speed limit and attempted to stop him.
According to the sheriff’s office, the driver refused to pull over and accelerated away from the deputy. Authorities said the vehicle eventually reached 111 miles per hour, creating a dangerous pursuit before the deputy temporarily lost sight of it.
SUV crashes into a tractor and catches fire
The deputy located the vehicle after noticing tire marks on the roadway and smoke rising nearby. The SUV had left the road and entered a yard in Kingston, where it struck a tractor and came to rest badly damaged.
The collision caused the vehicle to catch fire, with flames growing around the engine area while the driver remained inside. Photos and body camera footage released by authorities showed the extent of the wreck and the immediate danger facing the trapped occupant.
Deputy works to free the trapped driver
The deputy approached the driver’s side and attempted to break the window with a flashlight. The effort did not free the occupant, who told the deputy he could not get out through that side.
“I can’t get out that way!”
The deputy then moved to the passenger side and repeatedly struck the door handle with the edge of the flashlight. Body camera footage showed him continuing the effort as the flames became higher and more intense.
Firefighter and police response enables rescue
A Port Gamble police officer arrived while the deputy was trying to open the passenger door. The officer used a fire extinguisher to suppress the flames, reducing the immediate threat around the SUV.
After the fire was put out, the deputy and another officer pulled the man from the mangled vehicle. North Kitsap Fire and Rescue crews then responded and airlifted him to a hospital for treatment of injuries sustained in the crash. Authorities did not identify the man or provide further details about his medical condition.
Driver faces two criminal charges
The driver faces two charges stemming from the pursuit and crash: attempting to elude a police officer and reckless driving. The allegations remain connected to the reported events, and the available account does not provide additional information about court proceedings or a defense response.
The rescue unfolded after the driver allegedly chose to flee rather than stop for the initial traffic enforcement attempt. The sheriff’s office released the footage and images to document the deputy’s actions and the coordinated response at the crash scene.
| 1 | The pursuit began after a deputy observed a vehicle traveling about 20 miles per hour over the speed limit. |
| 2 | Authorities said the driver reached 111 miles per hour before crashing in a Kingston yard. |
| 3 | The SUV struck a tractor, caught fire and trapped the driver inside. |
| 4 | A deputy, a Port Gamble police officer and rescue crews worked together to remove and treat the man. |
Summary
A late-night pursuit in Kingston ended when an SUV crashed into a tractor and caught fire. The responding deputy tried multiple ways to reach the trapped driver and, with assistance from another officer, helped remove him from the wreck. The driver was hospitalized and faces charges related to the alleged flight and dangerous driving.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where did the crash occur?
The crash occurred in a yard in Kingston, Washington, after the SUV left State Highway 104 and struck a tractor.
How fast was the driver traveling?
Authorities said the driver reached 111 miles per hour during the pursuit.
What charges does the driver face?
The driver faces charges of attempting to elude a police officer and reckless driving.
Who treated the injured man?
North Kitsap Fire and Rescue crews airlifted the man to a hospital after officers removed him from the burning vehicle.