WATERLOO, Iowa — On Dec. 15, the Black Hawk County Sheriff’s Office called in the support of the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation to assist in a death investigation of a man who died while in the custody of county deputies.
At 6:55 p.m. on the date mentioned, the sheriff’s office heard radio traffic concerning a vehicle pursuit started by the Waterloo Police Department. A white Ford was reported traveling along Highway 63 at speeds over 90 miles an hour. Officials said the speeding vehicle struck another before fleeing from officers outside city limits.
Later around 7:16 p.m., a Black Hawk County deputy spotted the getaway vehicle and attempted to stop it. Deputies pursued the suspect's vehicle for nine miles. Their chase ended once the getaway vehicle struck stop sticks where Highway 63 intersects with Highway 3.
The vehicle’s driver was identified as Willie Earl Washington, 42, of Waterloo, Iowa. Officials said he was removed from his car and after deputies handcuffed him, he became unresponsive on the ground. CPR was administered, and an ambulance was dispatched, but Washington ultimately died, according to Iowa DCI.
An autopsy took place on Dec. 17 at the Office of the Iowa State Medical Examiner. The results will be sent to the Bremer County Attorney’s Office for review.
