BONNEY LAKE, Wash. — A wild early-morning pursuit ended dramatically when Pierce County deputies stopped a stolen box truck that caught fire before rescuing and arresting two suspects.

Around 12:45 a.m. on Oct. 12, deputies from the foothills detachment located the stolen truck driving eastbound on 120th Street East near 198th Avenue East. When deputies attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled, leading officers on a high-speed chase through the area.

After several PIT maneuvers, deputies forced the vehicle off the road. The suspects became trapped inside the cab as smoke began pouring from the truck. Deputies quickly smashed the windshield, creating an escape route for the two men, who were then pulled to safety and taken into custody.

Both suspects were transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The 42-year-old driver was later booked into the Pierce County Jail on charges of possession of stolen property, eluding, and assaulting police officers. The 38-year-old passenger was released for medical care, and additional charges are pending.

The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office praised deputies’ quick action for preventing serious injuries.

Source: Pierce County Sheriff’s Office