Suspect in high speed police chase had child on his lap

By BERNARD CHOI / KING 5 News

MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, Wash. – A 19-month-old child was recovered safely after being caught in the middle of a high speed police chase with her father Saturday afternoon.

That chase reached speeds of 100 miles per hour down I-5 south of Mountlake Terrace. Police said the baby's father held the child on his lap the whole way.

He was arrested Saturday afternoon and is likely to be charged with eluding police and endangering a child.

Police say the incident started in a Mountlake Terrace Park, where they were called to help a baby having seizures.

"The individual refused to comply with officer's commands to hand over the child and surrender himself," said Sgt. Craig McCaul, of Mountlake Terrace Police.

Police say the man, who had outstanding warrants, got into his car with child on lap and raced down I-5, weaving through traffic.

"All the while the 19-month-old child is in the lap of the gentleman," McCaul said.

Detectives tracked down the father at a Lake City apartment, and he led police on a foot chase for several blocks before he was arrested.