News: Lakewood PD books man into Pierce Co. Jail after pursuit-turned-collision

LAKEWOOD, WA – Lakewood Police booked a man into Pierce County Jail following a pursuit-turned-collision, King5 said. 

The pursuit-turned-collision happened on Friday on the 7200 block of 150th Street Southwest. Here, deputies responded to a report of a stolen vehicle. Video surveillance showed that the male suspect saw an idle Honda Civic, got into it, and took off. 

Police said the stolen car was trackable, according to the business that sold the car, and was able to find it in a McDonald’s parking lot on Colberg Drive Southwest. 

Police saw the suspect get into the vehicle and made direct eye contact with a police officer before driving off.

The male suspect ran several red lights on Interstate 5 ramps and almost caused a crash with another vehicle. The suspect went over a sidewalk, went down a grassy slope, and then crashed into a parked box truck on 12001 Pacific Highway Southwest. 

The suspect, later identified as  Lopez Darnell E.L. Griffin Jr., exited the stolen car and ran through several parking lots before police caught him and took him into custody. 

Police informed Griffin of his rights, and Griffin said he did not understand. He added that he drove a white car and heard “voices” in his head, telling him to steal the car. 

Officials transported Griffin to a hospital for a mental health evaluation before taking him to jail. 

On Monday, the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney’s office charged Griffin with obstructing a law enforcement officer and resisting arrest, attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, and theft of a motor vehicle. 

Officials confirmed the owner of the Honda got their car back. 

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Matthew D. Dubin

Matt Dubin has spent more than 20 years honing his skills as one of the top personal injury lawyers in the State of Washington. In his career, Matt has focused on protecting consumers from dangerous household products, medical mistakes, roadway accidents, and many other causes of injury. Matt has recovered nearly $20 million on behalf of his clients.

Education

• University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington – J.D.
• Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut – B.A.

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