A suspected impaired driver was arrested late Monday night, May 4 after a pursuit on Ambaum Boulevard SW, according to the Burien Police Department.
Police said that a deputy on routine patrol around 10 p.m. observed a vehicle traveling southbound at a high rate of speed in a 35 mph zone, with the vehicle estimated at about 50 mph.
As the deputy followed, the driver was seen swerving and unable to maintain lane control. A traffic stop was initiated and the driver initially pulled over, but fled as the deputy began to exit the patrol vehicle, according to police.
Due to the driver’s behavior and suspicion of driving under the influence, a pursuit was initiated. The deputy used a Precision Immobilization Technique, or PIT maneuver, to stop the vehicle and prevent further risk to the public, police said.
The driver was detained and deputies conducted a DUI investigation. Based on driving behavior, failure to comply and signs of impairment, deputies established probable cause to believe the driver was under the influence, according to police.
Authorities said that when a driver is unable or unwilling to provide a voluntary breath sample, deputies can seek a search warrant for a blood draw. A judge approved a warrant in this case, allowing a blood sample to be collected for toxicology testing to determine the presence of alcohol or drugs.
After the blood draw, the driver was transported to jail for DUI and other charges, police said.
“We are grateful for the deputy’s quick action in preventing a potentially serious incident,” police said in a statement. “Please remember: impaired driving puts everyone at risk. Always plan ahead and drive responsibly”
