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Video: Seattle driver rams fire truck after firefighter refuses nitrous oxide

The suspect, later involved in a hit-and-run and seen inhaling gas from balloons, fled police at high speeds and remains at large

SEATTLE — Seattle police are looking for a suspect who repeatedly rammed his car into a fire truck after firefighters declined his offer of a whippit, a term used for inhaling nitrous oxide.

According to officials, the fire truck was in the left lane on Second Avenue near Blanchard Street on Aug. 3 when the driver of a silver Honda Accord pulled up alongside the ladder truck and began ramming it, KING 5 reported.

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The suspect offered a firefighter a whippit, which they declined. He then struck the fire truck’s bumper, pulled ahead, and backed into the fire truck several times before fleeing down Second Avenue.

About 30 minutes later, police responded to a hit-and-run on Aurora Avenue North involving the same silver Honda Accord, now with heavy rear damage. Witnesses said the driver was trying to hit pedestrians and cars while inhaling gas from balloons.

Officers attempted a high-risk stop, but the suspect fled at speeds up to 85 mph before the chase was called off for safety. He remains at large.

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Bill Carey is the associate editor for FireRescue1.com and EMS1.com. A former Maryland volunteer firefighter, sergeant, and lieutenant, Bill has written for several fire service publications and platforms. His work on firefighter behavioral health garnered a 2014 Neal Award nomination. His ongoing research and writings about line-of-duty death data is frequently cited in articles, presentations, and trainings. Have a news tip? He can be reached at news@lexipol.com.