GRAHAM, Wash. — A 44-year-old man is in jail after he was suspected of driving under the influence on Oct. 15 with his son was in the car, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Department (PCSD). But before he was arrested, he led police on a speeding chase between Graham and Spanaway. 

At 9:30 p.m. that night, the sheriff’s deputies began pursuing a driver who was weaving within the lane of traffic and crossing over the road’s white line near the 400 block of 224th Street East in Graham. Deputies believed the driver was under the influence, according to the department.

Deputies deflated all four of the vehicle’s tires using stop sticks, but the driver continued driving at about 40 mph.

As a deputy prepared to hit the car using a PIT maneuver, a female passenger inside the suspect car called 911 to report that a child inside the car, according to the department. The woman was found to be the boy’s mother.

The pursuit was called off and the vehicle traveled a few blocks when the suspect “ran into the back of another vehicle, pulled to the curb and opened his door to flee.”

A deputy arrested the driver, who was found to have four warrants out for his arrest regarding unlawful possession of a firearm, malicious mischief, third-degree assault and possession of a stolen vehicle.

The female passenger briefly detained, and the 6-year-old son got out of the vehicle. Deputies kept the boy occupied until he was released to her. 

Deputies applied for a warrant to conduct a blood alcohol test. In addition to the warrants, the man was booked into jail on charges of eluding police and reckless endangerment.