RITZVILLE, Wash. – The suspect believed to be involved in a police pursuit that ended in a stolen WSDOT asphalt truck catching fire has been booked into jail.
The suspect was booked on suspicion of first-degree robbery, three counts of first-degree attempted robbery, five counts of second-degree assault, theft of motor vehicle, aiming or discharging firearms and third-degree malicious mischief.
This remains an active investigation. The Adams County Sheriff’s Office would like to thank the Washington State Patrol, the Ritzville Police and Fire Department and EMS for their work in this incident.
Last Updated: Sept. 19 at 8:20 p.m.
A police pursuit which ended in a vehicle fire began after an asphalt truck was stolen from Washtucna on Tuesday.
According to Washington State Department of Transportation, one of their asphalt trucks was stolen from the DOT shed at around 7:15 a.m. During the pursuit, law enforcement deployed spike strips to try and stop the suspect.
While fleeing, the asphalt truck caught fire, and the suspect was taken into custody about five miles east of Ritzville.
Eastbound I-90 was closed near mile post 225 while crews worked to put out the fire. The roadway was fully reopened at around 9 a.m.
Updated: Sept. 19 at 11:30 a.m.
A pursuit along I-90 on Tuesday morning ended with a vehicle fire, closing the roadway east of Ritzville.
According to Washington State Department of Transportation, eastbound I-90 is closed at mile post 225, roughly five miles east of Ritzville. One eastbound lane was reopened just before 9 a.m., and drivers passing through should be mindful of crews on scene.
The circumstances which led up to the pursuit have not been released at this time.
