Snohomish County places restrictions on high-speed chases

EVERETT, Wash. (AP) — The Snohomish County Sheriff's Office has announced new high-speed chase policies that restrict when deputies can pursue suspects.

The Daily Herald reports that the changes, which apply to more than 250 deputies, will take effect Monday.

Sheriff Ty Trenary says the county expects the new policies to significantly reduce the number of pursuits.

Under the new rules, deputies will no longer be able to join pursuits that start in other jurisdictions without supervisor approval, pursue suspects for misdemeanor crimes or traffic violations or continue a pursuit after crashing a patrol car.

The county's announcement comes a week after the city of Bothell paid $3 million to settle a wrongful death lawsuit involving a woman who was struck by a fugitive during a chase.