By Joanna Putman
Police1
MERCER ISLAND, Wash. — The Bellevue Police Department has released body camera footage showing a fleeing suspect attempting to throw a bomb at officers, FOX 13 reported.
The Oct. 12 incident began at a beach park, where Bellevue Police officers suspected a DUI after encountering the suspect’s vehicle, a stolen black Mercedes, according to the report.
The officers initiated a pursuit, during which the driver ignored commands and continued driving after running over tire deflation devices. The pursuit extended onto a freeway where the passenger was taken into custody.
The driver can be seen on video trying to ignite an improvised explosive device (IED) made from a tennis ball containing explosive powder. The suspect tried to light the bomb’s fuse with a lighter while running from officers.
He was subdued by seven officers before the device could be detonated.
A subsequent investigation revealed the passenger was in possession of about 50 fentanyl pills, according to the report. The driver, who has prior warrants and charges for vehicle theft, faces additional charges pending a decision by King County prosecutors.
“Saturday was a very dangerous, life-or-death incident,” said Wendell Shirley, chief of police for the Bellevue Police Department.
“Without that reform, the Independent Review Panel believes another Butler can and will happen again,” the authors wrote
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