Troopers chase suspect through three counties

A chase of a fleeing driver through three counties came to an abrupt end late Sunday night when state troopers intentionally rammed the driver's car outside a Woodland restaurant.

The manuever caused the driver's vehicle to spin out and stop the vehicle.

Brad L. Jones, 44, of Palm Springs, Calif., who wasn't hurt, was taken into custody following the high speed pursuit that started in Lewis County and ended at the Oak Tree Restaurant in Woodland, said Washington State Patrol Trooper Dave Bourland.

The chase began at 9 p.m., when another driver called 911 near milepost 79 on Interstate 5 southbound to report Jones driving south on Interstate 5 at speeds of 100 mph and erratically, Bourland said.

"(Other drivers) kept making calls and calls," he said.

Three troopers responded and attempted to stop Jones' rented Toyota Camry with lights and then sirens, but he wouldn't stop. They chased him into Cowlitz County, and put down spike strips near Castle Rock. But Jones swerved his car to miss them, Bourland said.

Jones then took the La Center exit, turned around and got back onto the freeway heading north. He took the Woodland exit and drove toward the restaurant, 1020 Atlantic Ave., when troopers spun the Camry out, Bourland said.

Ramming the back quarter-panel of a vehicle is a tactical manuever that state troopers use to stop fleeing suspects.

A patrol car and Jones' rental car sustained minor damage. Jones was booked into the Lewis County Jail on suspicion of reckless driving and eluding a police officer.

Bourland said there were no indicators Jones was under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and he didn't have any outstanding warrants. Troopers don't know why he fled.