In just one day here in Kitsap County, four suspects ran from law enforcement at high rates of speed, putting the public in danger. They ran because they knew officers could not pursue them.
One was a stolen Honda near Fairgrounds and SR 303 in East Bremerton. Another was a stolen BMW on Bainbridge Island, a second stolen Honda near Lund and SR 16, and a Lincoln with a burned-out headlight at Olney and Mile Hill Road.
All the drivers fled, knowing law enforcement was not allowed to give chase, despite their suspected crimes.
Please see the following statement from Sheriff John Gese.
From Kitsap County Sheriff John GeseAutomobile theft has jumped dramatically in the last few years in Washington State with 45,000 vehicles being reported stolen in 2022. This is almost double the pre-pandemic rate of 25,000 reported in 2019. These large increases are being seen locally as well. A dramatic jump in stolen vehicles reported occurred after the police pursuit law was changed in July of 2021. Many more citizens and businesses are being victimized and local law enforcement need the appropriate tools to help address this crime. As Sheriff, I recognize that police pursuits are dangerous and we have always addressed the risks and the limitations in our policy and training, but current state law is too restrictive and provides a dangerous opportunity for those who choose to exploit the law. In addition to auto vehicle thefts, local law enforcement has also seen a dramatic jump in drivers that refuse to stop for basic traffic violations. This is occurring at a time when serious injury and fatal collisions are also increasing locally and across the country and we are receiving more reports of aggressive and reckless driving. Our citizens expect and support local law enforcement to have the proper tools to address crime and enforce traffic laws. Many mayors, prosecutors and elected officials also support these changes. The Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs representing law enforcement agencies across the state support balanced changes to the state pursuit law to require officers to carefully gauge whether a police pursuit’s risks outweigh the need to apprehend the suspect and other criteria that would allow more discretion than currently allowed but still require strong controls on pursuits and send a message to those who are engaging in this lawless behavior. Currently the state legislature is considering bi-partisan bills to address these changes. I would ask that our state legislators and you support the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office and local law enforcement by advocating for balanced changes.
Original source can be found here
