The Associated Press
OLYMPIA, Wash.- A 10-mile freeway chase ended early Wednesday when the man pursued by police killed himself, authorities said.
Police said the chase began sometime after 3:30 a.m. when a man was suspected of driving drunk. During the chase, the man’s car hit a spike strip that flattened his tires, and he crashed into a concrete barrier.
After the crash, authorities said the man appeared agitated and took pictures of officers with his cell phone. He then dialed 911 and asked that the officers back off for a minute, said Washington State Patrol trooper John J. Gunderson.
About five minutes later, an officer moved to open the car door. The man drew a gun and shot himself in the head, Gunderson said.
“That bullet almost hit one of the officers,” he said.
Interstate 5 was closed near the state Capitol just before the morning commute started. Police did not immediately release the driver’s identity.