Traffic stop leads to pursuit, 2 arrests in Walla Walla County
By Dan Thesman on Friday, September 6th, 2024 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories
WALLA WALLA COUNTY – The Walla Walla Police Department has released details into Sunday’s pursuit that started in Walla Walla and ended on U.S. 12 near Lowden. It all began when officers tried to stop the suspect vehicle for erratic driving and suspected driving under the influence on Clinton Street.
When the suspect vehicle refused to stop for WWPD, the Washington State Patrol joined the pursuit. Near Lowden, troopers successfully spiked the suspect vehicle and conducted a pursuit intervention technique stop.
The driver exited and began to run away on foot when the suspect vehicle came to a stop. After a short chase, the suspect threw sand at law enforcement before being tasered. The driver, Marco A. Lazareno, 38, and his passenger, Ismael Hernandez, 28, both from Pasco, were taken into custody.
Basted on the circumstances and evidence seen inside the vehicle, K9 Daze was deployed on the vehicle. She gave her handler a positive alert. A search of the vehicle turned up 50 fentanyl pills, fentanyl powder, cocaine, heroin and drug paraphernalia.
Lazareno was transported to the Walla Walla County Jail and booked on felony attempt to elude police vehicle, obstructing a law enforcement officer, and driving under the influence. Hernandez was taken into custody on a misdemeanor warrant out of Benton County.
