Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office, DCI investigates after suspect dies in custody following vehicle pursuit | Crime and courts

WATERLOO, Iowa (KWWL) – The Iowa Department of Criminal Investigation is helping with an investigation after a suspect died in the custody of Black Hawk County officers following a chase Sunday.

The Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office learned of a vehicle pursuit by Waterloo Police at approximately 6:55 p.m. on Sunday, December 15th. The vehicle, a 2011 Ford Crown Victoria, was traveling at speeds in excess of 90 miles per hour.

During the chase, the vehicle hit a civilian and eventually drove away north of Waterloo.

At approximately 7:16 p.m., a Black Hawk County trooper observed the vehicle and attempted to stop it. The driver of the vehicle continued driving, causing officers to pursue the vehicle for 9 miles at speeds in excess of 90 mph.

The vehicle was stopped at the intersection of Highway 63 and Highway 3 when it struck stop bars.

The driver of the vehicle, identified as 42-year-old Willie Earl Washington of Waterloo, was removed from the vehicle and handcuffed. While handcuffed, Washington became unresponsive, prompting officers to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Washington later died.

The autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday at the state medical examiner’s office.

The results of the investigation will be forwarded to the Bremer County Sheriff’s Office for review.