Video shows dramatic police chase, crash in Olympia

OLYMPIA, Washington — Dashcam video obtained Thursday by KIRO 7 showed a dramatic chase and crash in which police pursued a suspected car thief who reached speeds of 150 mph.

Police said David Lee stole the Chevrolet Camaro from a Hertz car rental location at Sea-Tac Airport.

We picked up the video from a Lewis County deputy’s car as the stolen Camaro exited off Interstate 5 and drove through a rest stop. That’s when it collided with a deputy’s cruiser.

“Extremely dangerous situation,” said Steve Aust with the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.

The video showed the driver getting back on I-5 heading southbound. A deputy closed in on the Camaro after it hit spike strips and slowed down. The tires peeled off and sparks started flying from the rims.

About 20 seconds later, the driver was forced to stop.

A photo showed how a deputy parked close to the driver’s side of the fleeing vehicle and pinned the driver in.

Lee is now behind bars and facing charges. He’s being held without bail in Thurston County and could face additional charges in King and Lewis counties.

“At those speeds, it’s incredible,” Aust said. “I’ve seen these things turn very tragic, but in this case, with nobody getting hurt – including the suspect – it’s a success.”

KIRO