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 TUESDAY, MARCH 16, 2010 11:23 pm |
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Local News 
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4-car police pileup in Everett under investigation Chase ends in crashes involving 4 patrol cars; several officers hurt EVERETT — Two investigations already are under way after a car chase by Snohomish County sheriff's deputies early Wednesday ended with police cars caroming off each other in downtown Everett and injuries for four officers.There were two crashes in the span of seconds, involving four police cars. The suspect, an ex-con wanted on warrants for escape and driving a stolen car, also crashed nearby. The worst damage was caused when a sheriff's deputy, rushing southbound on Broadway, slammed into two patrol cars that had been parked in the roadway to form an improvised barricade, just north of the intersection with Hewitt Avenue. One of the patrol cars that was hit was from the sheriff's office; the other belonged to an Everett police officer. The Everett officer, 28, had climbed out of his car and was starting to run after a suspected car thief, who had just crashed in front of Comcast Arena. The Everett officer received two broken wrists and a broken knee when he was hit by another patrol car sent spinning by the impact from the arriving deputy's vehicle, Everett police Sgt. Robert Goetz said. Both deputies received minor injuries. So did another Everett officer, who also was rushing to the scene. He ran his patrol car off the road to avoid becoming entangled in the accident unfolding before him, Goetz said. All told, four damaged police cars wound up blocking traffic along Broadway, starting at 2:40 a.m. and lasting well into the morning commute. Doctors planned to keep the injured Everett officer hospitalized Wednesday night for observation. He has nearly three years of police experience. The deputy believed to have caused the crash, 26, was not directly involved in the car chase, but was rushing to the scene to help catch the suspect as he tried to run away, Snohomish County sheriff's spokeswoman Rebecca Hover said. The sheriff's office on Wednesday said two administrative investigations already have been launched into the incident. One review will examine whether the car chase followed sheriff's office pursuit policy. Another will focus on adherence to procedures regarding the use of emergency vehicles, Hover said. “We're very grateful that no one was critically injured — officers and citizens,” Hover said. “We're all wishing the Everett officers a speedy recovery.” It all began about 2:20 a.m. when a sheriff's sergeant tried to pull over a man who was at the wheel of a recklessly driven car south of Everett in the 3500 block of 132nd Street SE. At that time, the deputy didn't know the car had been stolen, or who was at the wheel. The chase was on, and it headed north into Everett, winding through parts of the city, Goetz said. Everett officers were not involved in the chase, but had converged on the downtown area to help keep the suspect from fleeing from the deputies, Goetz said. Everett police policy prohibits officers from car chases except in extreme circumstances. The sheriff's office has a different policy that allows deputies to pursue fleeing vehicles, but only when a sheriff's supervisor determines that the risks posed are acceptable. The suspect crashed along Broadway after the vehicle ran over spike strips put on the road to stop him. It worked. A tire deflated, causing the driver to lose control. When the car stopped, the suspect climbed out and tried to run away. A few feet away, an Everett officer and a sheriff's deputy had parked their patrol cars to form a blockade. The vehicles were just below the crest of the hill where Broadway crosses the railroad tracks, north of the intersection with Hewitt Avenue. Those vehicles were hit by the deputy rushing south on Broadway. The collision had enough force to knock the parked patrol cars around in the street, Goetz said. “The sheriff's office vehicle that was stopped in the roadway appears to have been spinning around and ended up striking our officer, who was out of his vehicle,” Goetz said. Meanwhile, another Everett officer, heading north on Broadway, turned hard to his right to avoid the crash in front of him. He struck a concrete planter box in a small park at the northeast corner of the intersection. Everett police crash investigators and detectives from the sheriff's office planned to use sophisticated computer software to reconstruct the accident, Goetz said. That could take several weeks. The Everett officer who hit the concrete planter, 23, has been in law enforcement roughly a year. He broke two fingers in the crash, Goetz said. The officer was treated and released Wednesday. The deputies who were hurt had bumps and bruises and also were treated and released, Hover said. The 26-year-old deputy has been with the department for more than three years. The other deputy involved, 47, has more than a decade of experience. The suspect was arrested after a brief foot chase. Goetz identified the man as Andrew Wayne Holden, 32, of Snohomish. Lynnwood police last week issued an alert on the convicted felon, who was wanted on a Department of Corrections escape warrant. It was after the crash that investigators learned that the red, 1992 Honda Accord sedan that deputies were chasing had been reported stolen in Seattle, Goetz said. Holden already was the focus of three probable-cause arrest warrants for auto theft. The man is known as a prolific car thief, and has been the focus on an ongoing investigation by the Snohomish County Auto Theft Task Force, Goetz said. Holden was booked into the Snohomish County Jail on the warrant and for investigation of possession of a stolen vehicle, eluding police and resisting arrest. He's scheduled to go before a judge today. Holden's extensive criminal history includes prior conviction for possession of stolen vehicles and other stolen property, said Chad Lewis, a spokesman for the state Department of Corrections. Holden has spent time in prison. A warrant was issued in early January after he failed to check in with his parole officer and his drug treatment counselor. Reporter Jackson Holtz: 425-339-3437, jholtz@heraldnet.com. |
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COMMENTS
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what?? were the police officers high on doughnuts and coffee?
george jungle | Feb 11, 2010 10:46 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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J More, you would be speaking differently if you, or any of your relative were injured or killed by this crazy 23 or 26 yr old Rambo..
who too often ask questions when is too late, I dont like this late trend at all.
Fully AGREE with DanOMan and similar postings...
Again, I want to shake the hands of these officers, but at the same time I want to pull out a hickory switch and whip their butts for their stupidity at the same time ! Commanders, please review this incident critically and reinforce with officers the need to end a chase if it means a life can be taken by this kind of speed. Review and revise chase policies. Use your heads and not hormones or adrenalin to make a chase decision, when to STOP a chase IF, only IF, necessary. Lives are at stake here, officers, and civilians.
INVESTIGATE THE SPEEDS THOROUGHLY, and the mindsets and stupidity we had with this chase. FOR SAFETY'S SAKE !!
This was just about stolen vehicle ...Please THINK !!!!
boby Homer | Feb 10, 2010 9:55 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Holden's extensive criminal history includes prior conviction for possession of stolen vehicles and other stolen property, said Chad Lewis, a spokesman for the state Department of Corrections. Holden has spent time in prison. A warrant was issued in early January after he failed to check in with his parole officer and his drug treatment counselor.
So, explain to me again WHY he was out?
Aaron Everett | Feb 9, 2010 6:04 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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MOST (not all) of you posters are clearly idiots, with just enough knowledge to log on and leave a comment, but not enough to know about what you are commenting about! If you are not a cop yourself, you don't know what is involved in all these instant, emergent situations.
And PLEASE don't call 911 for your issues, handle it yourself since you think you know how.
Elle None | Feb 4, 2010 2:06 pm | 4 replies | Request removal
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Unfortunately I have learned to handle things myself instead of call 911 since dispatch messes calls up so often. They send cops to the wrong address all the time. In fact, dispatch refused to send police to Jack in the Box on Everett and Broadway one time because the caller did not know the literal NUMBER address where the store was. Dispatch would not accept on Broadway and Everett Ave, across from QFC. We citizens had to the help the woman and child who was being harassed because 911 and EPD did nothing. So your advice is nothing new. Dispatch even screwed up this accident because some Officers had to stop at a store to ask for directions to Taco Bell because dispatch couldn't find it. NICE!!!!
J Moore | Feb 04, 2010 2:46 pm | Request removal
what does emergent mean??
I is that cop talk for lunch time?
Jack Johnson | Feb 04, 2010 3:39 pm | Request removal
I understand your frustration here Elle. We will always have people like this. Ignore them, It's not worth the madness they bring along.
DanOMan | Feb 04, 2010 10:35 pm | Request removal
J. Moore as much as that would frustrate me as well and I, like you or other civilians there, would have intervened in the harassment that occurred. But it does not mean that these guys don't make mistakes and at the same time they are doing what ever they can do to prevent some who like to disrupt the peace and cause danger to others. Thanks to the officers that tried to do the best they knew and I hope for a good and speedy recovery. I also hope that these accidents can be studied as there was mention to prevent future mistakes that could lead to accidents. Remember there are no superman's or super heroe's. Just people. Its a human thing to make mistakes. And we all make them.
J Lugo | Feb 08, 2010 10:48 am | Request removal
Its pretty obvious in hindsight that the police should not have put a road block just over the crest of a hill. I am sure in the heat of the chase that wasn't thought of but luckily none of the officers have life threatening injuries and that low life has finally been caught. Now, do the right thing and don't let him out tomorrow!!!
ian most | Feb 4, 2010 12:16 am | 1 replies | Request removal
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Anyone need driver's education?
Chris Martin | Feb 08, 2010 1:03 am | Request removal
The reporters here clearly accepted the Sheriff;s Offices spin on their pursuit policy. It is not true that they can commence a pursuit only after a supervisor approves. Any deputy can commence a pursuit for any crime. it is the loosest policy i the State. The supervisors then have the authority to terminate it. It is a big difference.
Mark Leemon | Feb 5, 2010 6:09 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Reminds me of the Keystone Cops! I would laugh, except it's us as taxpayers who get the bill for the damaged cruisers.
P W | Feb 5, 2010 5:34 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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So, a mistake might have been made putting a roadblock below the crest of a hill.
And perhaps the young driver of the fourth car didn't quite avoid an accident.
Still, some jerk was seen driving like an idiot (hope your family member wasn't driving in the area) in a stolen car (hope it wasn't your car) who turned out to have had quite a history (hope you aren't one of his previous victims)and a Police Officer did what we pay him to do: Protect our Community. There was an accident; everyone who has never had one please raise your hand.
I'm glad this dirtbag is off the streets, and hope the officers recover quickly.
I would like to suggest to those who feel compelled to write the garbage we have seen that the next time they have a problem to call their Friendly Local Crack Dealer. They won't have any objection to coming by anytime, day or night, 365 days a year and protect you, recover your stolen items and put the thief in jail, will they? You can trust them, can't you? They will put their life on the line, right?
The only reason you can sit safely in the comfort of your home and complain is that you are protected by the very people you whine about. OK, nobody is perfect, including cops. But I am pretty forgiving when they make simple human mistakes, like wrecking their car. You've never done that, have you?
Steve Winnie | Feb 4, 2010 10:44 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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I begin by saying I have the greatest feelings of respect for our police officers. Somehow, they have a calling of compassion and caring to people and communities that 99% of us do not have. Both male and female, You can all count on me for support and to back up your six if you need help.
I must say,however, this vehicle chase the other night must be investigated thoroughly and vigorously. I lived two blocks N of downtown on Colby Avenue. At approximately 2:35 that morning I was getting back to bed after a nature call and I heard at least three cars literally flash past my house, sirens and liights going. I am 55 years old and have never in my life seen nor heard ANY cars go so fast in my entire life, short of an oval HASCAR track. Adrenalin got way, waaaay out of proportion in this chase. Every citizen in this town was put in jeopardy by this chase. Sleepingin one's own bed could have ended one's life if one of these cars lost control and hit an apartment or home. We see the effects moments later when all the patrol cars collided. Not to even mention if you were a pedestrian or in another vehicle on our streets. There would not have been enough left of a human to smear on a stick !! I estimate the speed from 70 to 90 mph two blocks from downtown! This is waaaaay overboard and unacceptable !!
Again, I want to shake the hands of these officers, but at the same time I want to pull out a hickory switch and whip their butts for their stupidity at the same time ! Commanders, please review this incident critically and reinforce with officers the need to end a chase if it means a life can be taken by this kind of speed. Review and revise chase policies. Use your heads and not hormones or adrenalin to make a chase decision, when to STOP a chase IF, only IF, necessary. Lives are at stake here, officers, and civilians.
INVESTIGATE THE SPEEDS THOROUGHLY, and the mindsets and stupidity we had with this chase. FOR SAFETY'S SAKE !!
I wish the officers that were injured a speedy recovery, also "Thank You" to each and every officer involved for caring about the public, making our lives more secure, and putting this perp behind bars. I am so glad he is in jail, let him rot. He's scum ! You lucked out this time though, so lucky that no innocents were injured
Hill Street Blues - "Lets's all be careful out there !"
DanOMan | Feb 4, 2010 10:26 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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Its time to disarm these kind of cops, how is the public any safer from this type of mayhem. How about entering them in a demolition Derby.
Bobby Bluedog | Feb 4, 2010 7:00 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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I think maybe the Herald forgot or didn't choose to include how many shots were fired by the Peace Officers.
P Krane | Feb 4, 2010 6:52 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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How absolutely stupid! May one, but all you guys - dumb!!
Paul Parkhurst | Feb 4, 2010 2:08 pm | 1 replies | Request removal
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State Patrol is even worse.
J Moore | Feb 04, 2010 3:34 pm | Request removal
What exactly goes into training these officers? I have been all over this country and have never seen nor heard of such a bunch of out of control police officers in my life. Not only are they shooting and killing people at will, now they are so overzealous to get a chance to get there hands on someone that they crash into each other trying to be the first one there. Glad to be back in Minnesota after 2 years in Everett. Putting on a badge and a gun does not mean you can break one law while trying to enforce another. The people training these officers as well as the procedures they are being taught need to be reviewed. Maybe by an independent agency. It is obvious to me that the police out there cannot even police themselves.
Jeff Friedli | Feb 4, 2010 6:04 am | 2 replies | Request removal
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Also they may need to either update the self defense course or hire some officers who can defend themselves without using deadly force.
Jeff Friedli | Feb 04, 2010 6:07 am | Request removal
Glad I am not the only one who feels this way. They speed up and down Broadway with no lights or respect for any drivers. They never use turn signals or yield when they should. The fact that they CUT THRU the Chevron station to pursue a car shows how reckless and dangerous they are. The employee was outside changing the garbage at the time and could have been killed. She was very upset because she had to jump out of the way. The cops are terrible here.
J Moore | Feb 04, 2010 2:39 pm | Request removal
I moved to this state a decade ago. I have never seen worse driving police. Rude, no turn signals, and just ten minutes ago some dick cop cut me off in a cross walk and sped past me, no lights no nothing. He was not on a call, JUST RUDE. I think the accident is hilarious. It made my day.
To the cop who cut off a pedestrian who had the walk sign right of way....you are typical Everett loser.
J Moore | Feb 4, 2010 2:35 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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im just hoping the officers involved,had both hands on the wheel,and not driving with gun in hand.Not safe!
JEFF SMITH | Feb 4, 2010 12:32 pm | 0 replies | Request removal
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heard that you can steal a car 5 times before you actually go to jail.
if your car is stolen dont bother calling 911 even if you are following your stolen car as an officer will not be sent to apprehend assailant in vehicle.
furthermore at such time as you find your car wrecked dismantled you will provide the towing fee. hope it was not involved in accident to which you could be sued as thats another avenue to discuss.
dinsdale fish | Feb 4, 2010 11:14 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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You were on your toes with the sassy comment when you had me pulled over, but when someone challeges you guys you guys fold-up like cheap suits.
Jack Johnson | Feb 4, 2010 10:40 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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How about this guy has to pay the county/city the cost to repair/replace the patrol cars? This would not have happened if he decided to be a man and not run from the police.
Chris Thomas | Feb 4, 2010 9:59 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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How is that 23 year old "trained" cop that broke 2 fingers going to pick his nose now?
Retraining at taxpayers expense??
Jon Cannelo | Feb 4, 2010 9:53 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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Pursuits and roadblocks are certainly one of the major areas of police (and local community) risk exposure. The other two pieces to this immediate situation are:
1) Sounds like the suspect was wanted for escape or failure to report to the Dept of Corrections. So much for the effective nature of community "supervision". How many more of us need to die or be injured until changes are made?
2) The suspect apparently has a "long history" of auto theft. Why wouldn't he? The sentencing guidelines pretty much preclude any meaningful punishment for the offense.
Back to the pursuits and roadblocks -
It is hard to tell from the story how well policies and procedures were followed. It is a high stress undertaking, but that is why there must be both effective and frequent training, combined with good policies and procedures - backed-up by effective reinforcement.
In general, over the past 10 or 20 years, most law enforcement agencies have regarded fixed roadblocks as equal to the use of deadly force. For example, this policy from the Indiana State Police (2001) states, in part:
"L. The Use of Deadly Force policy, stated in the Department
regulations,
shall be a primary consideration governing pursuits and subsequent
roadblocks."
"2. Using a police vehicle as a weapon shall be viewed with the same
regard
as using a deadly weapon. Such use shall be considered only as a last
resort when the officer reasonably believes the officer must use such
force
to prevent imminent serious bodily injury to the officer or a third
person."
Due to the high potential of death to the suspect, innocent by-standers and officers, most agencies have very specific requirements concerning the placement of such roadblocks (i.e., adequate sight lines) and requirements to announce their location to involved officers.
This incident is unfortunately only the most recent of many, many such incidents involving the Everett Police, that reflect on poor leadership and training, rather than what some attribute to "bad officers". In any group of several hundred officers, there certainly will be the bad few ("they" are "us" after all!). The vast majority are selfless individuals that are answering a call to serve their neighbors. They deserve the best leadership and the best training.
Everett News | Feb 4, 2010 8:47 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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Why was the car thief allowed to still be out there stealing cars? Wonder how many families have had to deal with having their car being stolen because of this maggot? I'm sure he was released early from his last conviction because the system allows it. What's wrong with just making these felons serve out their time?
James Maule | Feb 4, 2010 8:07 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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Who do these guys think reads the paper?
camano kid | Feb 4, 2010 6:06 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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Kinda reminds me of the movie "Blues Brothers"! maybe they were filming a sequel!
Randy Tendering | Feb 4, 2010 5:46 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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Just another fine example of why we moved out of Everett. The police feel they are invincible and above the law. Instead of gunning down someone with excessive force, they now think they are on the Dukes of Hazard....
Marvin Miller | Feb 4, 2010 5:28 am | 0 replies | Request removal
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