Arrested: Diaz,
Rafael O., 23 year of age male, Wapato address
Charges: Attempting
to Elude a Police Vehicle, Resisting Arrest, Obstructing, Possession of Stolen
Property.
On November 19, 2012 at approximately 12:30 AM Richland
officers were advised via police radio that a theft had occurred in
Kennewick. Kennewick also provided a suspect vehicle description
of a white Ford pickup that had no taillights. A Richland officer found a vehicle matching
the description traveling west on I-182 near SR 240. The officer caught up to the truck as it took
the S/B Queensgate exit.
As the officer followed, the truck drove immediately back onto
I-182 travelling east. The officer
activated his emergency lights and the truck failed to yield. In an attempt to stop the suspect vehicle the officer turned on his siren. The truck accelerated
and attempted to flee. A short pursuit
ensued with spike strips being successfully deployed in the area of George
Washington Way and I-182. Though
running on deflated tires, the truck continued north on Jadwin ultimately coming
to a stop at Van Giesen and George Washington Way. The driver fled on foot.
Richland officers gave chase and the suspect was taken into
custody a few blocks away. He was in
possession of a wallet that belonged to another individual. Inside the truck officers could see the same
brand of beer taken in the Kennewick theft, wallets, a purse and electronics
that appear to have been stolen. The
truck was impounded until a search warrant can be applied for. The truck was confirmed as a stolen vehicle
from the jurisdiction of the Benton County Sheriff’s Office.
Diaz was booked into the Benton County Jail a 72 hour hold
for Eluding.
Contact Capt. Mike Cobb, 942-7362. For additional
information.
