Driver fails to stop, admits it was due to changes in pursuit laws

By Dan Thesman on Wednesday, February 16th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

WALLA WALLA – Walla Walla Police were dispatched Tuesday night to an erratically driven vehicle running red lights and almost striking several vehicles. When officers located the vehicle and active their emergency lights and siren, the driver failed to stop.

After a short pursuit, the driver stopped the vehicle near Clinton and University and ran into his house which was nearby. Officers pursued on foot, eventually arresting Christian D. Meza, 27, inside his residence.

When questioned, Meza stated he did not feel officers could continue to chase him due to the new law changes about pursuits.

Meza was booked into the Walla Walla County Jail for failing to yield to an emergency vehicle and resisting arrest but was released within two hours due to the Walla Walla County Corrections Facility protocols on non-felony charges.