Washougal man leads police on pursuit

A late night call to 911 resulted in Washougal Police officers responding to a suspicious person, outside the station.

Cameron Lee Frank, 23, of Washougal, was arrested and booked into the Clark County Jail Friday, for attempting to elude a police vehicle and driving under the influence. His release date has not been set, as of press deadlines.

The WPD received a call Thursday, at 11:05 p.m., regarding a man in a green SUV waving a gun or knife around.

Officers saw a green 1994 Ford Explorer passing in front of the police department, at 1320 “A” St. They attempted to stop the vehicle, but the driver took off at a high rate of speed.

Police pursued the SUV, westbound on state Route 14 from Washougal River Road to approximately 192nd Avenue, where the officers disengaged and terminated the pursuit.

The Explorer passed a marked Washougal Police car near exit 12. The vehicle traveled at a high rate of speed when it passed the police car, before slowing down in front of the officer.

According to a press release, the suspect vehicle began speeding up and slowing down as if the driver was trying to provoke the officer to chase him again. Instead of engaging in another high speed pursuit, the officer followed behind the vehicle while keeping a safe distance.

Other Washougal officers deployed spike strips on SR-14 near Washougal River Road, which successfully began deflating three tires. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle again, but it continued fleeing north on Washougal River Road at speeds of 30 to 40 mph.

The suspect’s vehicle, which began crossing into the oncoming lane of Washougal River Road, was brought to a stop by officers who used a pursuit immobilization technique, near the 3600 block.

“PIT is a technique we use to make intentional contact with a suspect vehicle, using our patrol vehicle,” said Sgt. Geoff Reijonen. “The maneuver causes the suspect vehicle to rotate and come to a stop.”

According to the press release, Frank refused to comply with an officer’s request to show his hands. A Taser was deployed, and Frank was taken into custody without incident. He was checked by medical personnel and found to be uninjured.

Police said alcohol was a factor in the incident. After being arrested, the suspect made statements about wanting to get shot by the police.