Dayton Chronicle - Your Hometown News Source

WALLA WALLA–Detectives from the Walla Walla Police Department pursued suspects in a motorhome at speeds up to 75 m.p.h., the high-speed pursuit coming to an end in Waitsburg when spike strips were deployed and the motorhome stopped in a collision with a fence near Preston Park.

The incident started when two detectives from the Walla Walla Police Department Career Criminal Apprehension Team (CCAT) observed the motorhome driving on N. 2nd Ave. near Highway 12 just after 5:30 p.m. on November 29. The motorhome did not have a license plate and was exhibiting signs the driver was impaired, according to Sgt. Nick Loudermilk of the Walla Walla P.D..

The motorhome entered eastbound Highway 12. At one point the motorhome had drifted off the roadway and was completely straddling the fog line. The detectives initiated a traffic stop on Highway 12 near north Wilbur Ave. The motorhome failed to stop and continued at about 40 miles an hour, still swaying in and out of the lane. Motorhomes typically have blind spots, so the detectives pulled up next to the motorhome to be more visible to the driver and give them the opportunity to see them and pull over.

As the detectives pulled up next to the motorhome, they saw a female driver and a male passenger. The female would not make eye contact with the detectives. As they approached Interchange Road, there was another unrelated vehicle up ahead of the motorhome and the detectives. That bystander vehicle pulled over as the detectives had their lights and sirens activated. As the bystander vehicle was pulling over, the motorhome rear-ended it without making any attempts to slow down.

The detectives then witnessed the male passenger violently rip the female driver out of the driver seat, throw her down toward the floor of the motorhome and get in the driver seat. They were traveling at about 40 m.p.h. when this occurred. The male driver then sped up to about 75 miles an hour and led the detectives and other joining officers on a pursuit to Waitsburg.

The detectives feared one or both of the drivers were severely impaired based on all of the observed driving. Also taking into account, the motorhome appeared to have rammed an innocent bystander vehicle and fleeing. The detectives believed the threat to the public at large was high and the need to intervene outweighed the risks of letting the motorhome get away.

While in pursuit, the detectives asked dispatch to contact the Columbia County Sheriff's Office to set up spike strips ahead of their location and deploy in an attempt to safely end the pursuit. Columbia County Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the request.

Spike strips were deployed in Waitsburg just before the motorhome and Walla Walla Police Department units came into town. This spike deployment was successful and deflated the motorhome's tires. Still trying to erratically elude, the male driver lost control of the motorhome and struck a power pole in the area of Coppei Avene and Preston Avenue. The motorhome then crashed through a chain-link fence and came to a stop across from Preston Park on Coppei Avenue.

Emergency medical personnel were immediately requested. Law enforcement quickly transitioned to life-saving efforts. The driver was unconscious and pinned in the motorhome, which appeared to be starting on fire as heavy smoke was coming from the engine. Law enforcement went into the motorhome and extracted the driver as emergency medical personnel arrived. The female was conscious and exited the motorhome under her own power.

The driver was transported by ambulance to an area hospital. The female was medically evaluated on scene and released to law enforcement.

-Chronicle photo

The vehicle sheared off a power pole, splintering the pole and also spreading debris along a 75-yard length of Coppei Avenue, adjacent to Preston Park. The loss of the power pole cut power to the downtown portion of Waitsburg for several hours Wednesday evening. Pacific Power's Terry Wanous inspects the damage in the course if affecting repairs.

The Washington State Patrol responded and took over the collision investigation. Walla Walla Police Department CCAT detectives initiated the criminal investigation. The female was transported back to the Walla Walla Police Department for an interview.

The male driver was identified as Isaiah G. Guillen, 28, of Tennessee Colony, Tex. Guillen has two warrants for his arrest: one out of Texas for a parole violation for possession of a controlled substance and another out of Oklahoma for possession of a stolen motor vehicle.

In an interview with the female, she admitted she was driving the motorhome when detectives tried to stop them. She was attempting to pull over, but Guillen told her she better not stop and kicked her foot off the brake pedal. It was at that time the motorhome rear-ended the bystander vehicle near Interchange Road and Guillen ripped her out of the driver seat and threw her to the floor. Guillen told the female "We are both going to die tonight" as he was eluding the detectives.

Guillen is currently released on his own recognizance while the investigation is under way and pending formal charges, according to Sgt. Loudermilk.