Man Accused Of Shooting Ex-Girlfriend Caught In Tacoma

TACOMA, WA - A man wanted in the shooting of a woman in Frederickson earlier this month was arrested Tuesday night after a chase in Tacoma. Tony French, 39, was arrested after he cut off a Pierce Transit police officer, allegedly while driving a stolen car.

On Sept. 7, police believe it was French who shot his ex-girlfriend multiple times in the driveway of her Frederickson home. A judge later issued an arrest warrant for French on charges including attempted murder, domestic violence assault, and violation of a no-contact order.

French was arrested around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday after a Pierce Transit officer tried to pull him over. French allegedly pulled out in front of the officer's car just west of exit 129 off of I-5. The officer checked on the license plates and discovered the car was reported stolen out of Seattle.

The officer attempted to pull the car over, but the driver fled, reaching speeds near 80 MPH. When the driver turned near 82nd and South Alaska, he hit a curb, disabling the vehicle. He ditched the car and took off on foot through the neighborhood.

A short time later, Pierce County K9 Zepp tracked down the suspect who was hiding in some brush. Police identified the suspect as French, and allegedly found him carrying a gun that was reported stolen out of Redmond.

French was taken to jail on 11 felony charges.

Image courtesy Pierce County Sheriff's Office