Richland police officer injured performing PIT maneuver
By Dan Thesman on Sunday, November 26th, 2023 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
RICHLAND, Washington – A driver in his 40s suspected of DUI, his two minor passengers, and a Richland police officer were transported to the hospital Friday following a collision. They all received minor, non-life-threatening injuries.
Officers from the Richland Police Department were dispatched to a suspected intoxicated driver near the boat launch on Columbia Park Trail/Columbia Center Boulevard.
When officers attempted to stop the suspect vehicle, the driver attempted to flee. in an effort to stop the suspect’s vehicle, a Richland officer performed a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) maneuver. While performing the PIT maneuver or shortly thereafter, the suspect’s vehicle collided with a RPD patrol vehicle that was responding to assist.
The suspect, who has not been identified, was booked into the Benton County Jail on suspicion of DUI, eluding, and possibly other charges related to this incident.
The collision is being investigated by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office. Investigators are also working to understand the relationship between the suspect driver, and the two minor girls who were in his car at the time of the collision.
