Burien Police Chief Ted Boe expresses his angst over pursuit law after police had to let 2 burglary suspects go

Burien Police Chief Ted Boe criticized the restrictive nature of Washington's RCW 10. 116. 060 law, which limits police vehicular pursuits. On March 17, 2023, officers encountered two suspects committing their second burglary of the day but were forced to let them flee due to these restrictions. The affected businesses, including Tobacco Mart and Hellen’s Hair Salon, suffered significant financial losses.

Chief Boe acknowledged the law's good intentions but pointed out that it prevents officers from effectively engaging in pursuits, even using techniques like the Pursuit Immobilization Technique (PIT). He expressed concern that the suspects, having removed identifying information from their vehicle, are unlikely to face justice. This situation underscores the tension between legislative efforts to enhance safety and the operational challenges faced by law enforcement. The debate around police pursuit policies continues as communities seek solutions that balance safety and crime prevention. Burien Police officers remain committed to their duty despite these legal challenges.