The successful use of the pursuit intervention technique, or PIT maneuver, by a Bainbridge Island police officer brought a fleeing suspect vehicle to a stop Sunday night. The 32-year-old Tacoma man driving the car was subsequently arrested for robbery.

The robbery occurred in the Safeway parking lot in Silverdale at about 9:10 p.m. The male victim was accosted in the parking lot and threatened with a baseball bat by the Tacoma man, according to the Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO). The victim handed over his wallet and the suspect fled. The victim was able to provide a description of the suspect’s vehicle, a Lincoln Continental, along with a partial license plate.

The vehicle description was broadcast to all county law enforcement agencies and within 20 minutes, a Poulsbo Police officer spotted the vehicle on Viking Way NW in Poulsbo, according to KCSO. The officer tried to stop the vehicle, but the driver accelerated and a pursuit began.

The suspect fled southbound on State Route 305 NE toward Suquamish and near State Route 305 and George Lane NE, a Bainbridge Island officer employed the PIT maneuver, causing the suspect’s vehicle to spin and roll to a stop.

Four people in the Lincoln Continental were detained at 10 p.m., according to KCSO.

The Tacoma man was arrested and booked into Kitsap County Jail on suspicion of robbery. The three others inside the vehicle were the teenage nephews of the suspect. Deputies determined the teens knew of their uncle’s plan to commit robbery, but they stayed inside the car during the actual crime.

A report will be forwarded to the Kitsap County Prosecutor’s Office for review, concerning the teens’ participation, and possible charging.

No injuries were reported and the investigation continues.