Up-ended patrol car - how did that happen?

By Fisher Communications Staff Published: Oct 24, 2009 at 6:06 PM PST
Up-ended patrol car - how did that happen?
The patrol car ended up with its front end aiming skyward and its rear end licked by flames.

Scroll down for more photos of the crash aftermath.

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. - A Pierce County deputy's patrol car presented a bizarre spectacle Saturday morning to passers-by near Spanaway - with its front end pointing skyward and its rear end licked by flames.

Witnesses said the deputy was responding to a call with his sirens blaring and lights flashing when his cruiser was broadsided by another car near the intersection of 160th Street East and 70th Avenue East.

The impact sent the patrol car up a utility poll and snapped power lines, which ignited a grass fire.

Firefighters quickly responded to the scene and extinguished the flames.

The deputy was able to exit the vehicle. No one was injured in the crash.

Here are some more photos of the crash aftermath courtesy of Kelly Olson, a viewer of KATU's sister station KOMO in Seattle: