Second set of spike strips finally stop speeder
By Terry Murry on Wednesday, April 21st, 2021 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
KENNEWICK – Police from throughout the Tri-Cities region as well as the Benton County Sheriff’s Office finally stopped Elias Ramirez, 33, after he allegedly led officers on a high-speed chase from Richland to Benton City and then back to Kennewick.
The Benton County Sheriff’s Office said that Ramirez was first seen on Interstate 82 heading towards Benton County at an estimated 120 miles per hour. An attempt to stop him near the Benton City exit was unsuccessful.
Spike strips were deployed on I-82 when the suspect was heading back to the Tri-Cities. His tires were punctured, but he didn’t stop. He drove through Columbia Park Trail at a slower speed, but still refused to yield to police.
Another set of spike strips were deployed at Canal and Kellogg, apparently causing Ramirez to lose control of his car and crash into a sign on Clearwater Avenue in Kennewick. He then took off on foot, but was brought into custody facing charges of driving under the influence of intoxicants and attempting to elude law enforcement. The Benton County Sheriff’s Office reported Ramirez also had outstanding warrants, including a previous DUII.
