Stolen construction equipment leads to police pursuit, fire in Pierce County, WA

A dramatic police pursuit unfolded in Pierce County, WA, when Bonney Lake police suspected a truck was towing a stolen backhoe at approximately 5:30 a. m. on Wednesday. The ensuing chase involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Pierce County Sheriff's Department and Sumner Police Department. As the pursuit progressed, the trailer detached from the truck, and the driver abandoned the vehicle in Edgewood, setting it ablaze.

This reckless act ignited propane tanks in the truck's bed, leading to explosions that prompted temporary road closures for public safety. Sumner police initiated a K-9 search for the fleeing suspect, while cleanup crews worked to manage the aftermath at Jovita Station. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding stolen construction equipment in the region. Authorities continued their search for the suspect into Wednesday afternoon, emphasizing the need for community vigilance. Reliable information was sourced from local law enforcement agencies to provide accurate reporting on this incident.