Pierce County Prosecutor Mark Lindquist charged Mac Robert Tappon, 25, with murder in the second degree, vehicular homicide, attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, unlawful possession of a controlled substance, and driving while license suspended or revoked in the third degree. A woman died after being ejected from Tappon’s vehicle during a police chase in Milton last week. Tappon pleaded not guilty and is being held in lieu of $750,000 bail.

“The defendant turned a routine stop into a homicide,” said Prosecutor Mark Lindquist. “He should have just pulled over and dealt with the consequences.”

On Sept. 13, 2015 at 4:30 a.m., a Milton police officer attempted to stop Tappon for speeding. Tappon failed to pull over. The officer pursued Tappon, who was driving nearly 60 mph, crossing the center lane and sliding off the road during the chase. After striking an embankment, Tappon lost control of his car, which rolled and flipped several times. His 34-year-old passenger, Christine Pedro, was ejected from the vehicle and died. First responders removed Tappon from the car and transported him to the hospital.

Near the car, officers discovered a bag containing 10.2 grams of methamphetamine, a handgun and live ammunition. They also found credit cards, mail and tax forms belonging to other individuals.

Charges are only allegations and a person is presumed innocent unless he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.