Police Taser Knife-Wielding Man After High-Speed Chase and Crash in Stolen Car
A Missoula woman called police early Sunday when she noticed her vehicle had been stolen from right in front of her home after she had accidentally dropped her keys near the front door. Missoula Police Public Information Officer Travis Welsh says police picked up the chase near the intersection of 3rd and Russell.
"Police attempted to make a traffic stop of the vehicle, but rather than pulling over, it sped away in an attempt to elude the officers," Welsh said. "The vehicle made its way east through the south side of town until it crashed into a couple of parked cars in the 400 block of South Sixth Street West."
The vehicle was traveling too fast to make the turn when it crashed. The suspect jumped out and continued running from police, who were able to eventually corner and surround the suspect who still didn’t surrender.
"He produced a large knife, holding it to his chest, proclaiming hat he wasn't going to jail," Welsh said. "Several officers were engaged with the male, they were giving him instructions to drop the knife, then one officer deployed his taser on the suspect who immediately dropped the knife and was taken into custody. He is identified as 23-year-old Alexander Zechlinski."
Zechlinski has been in the Missoula jail before: he was arrested on burglary charges this past June. This time, he faces seven charges including Felony Theft, Fleeing from a Peace Officer, Resisting Arrest, and Reckless Driving.