Bodycam Captures Fatal Stolen-Truck Chase — Driver Sentenced Nearly 23 Years After Head‑On Crash

Bodycam footage of a Sept. 7, 2024 police pursuit in Washington has renewed attention on a deadly stolen-truck chase that ended in a head-on collision and the death of a 70-year-old passenger.

The incident began when a Chevrolet Silverado was reported stolen from a King County residence. Footage published by Code Blue Cam shows deputies taking the initial report; the same truck was later spotted about 60 miles south in Thurston County, driven by Nicole Rene Romanoff, then 33.

From Theft To Pursuit

After residents in east Lacey reported a woman approaching homes and asking for fentanyl — and one account saying the woman drove toward a resident — deputies identified the Silverado as the reported stolen vehicle. A deputy attempting a traffic stop on Pacific Avenue Southeast says Romanoff fled.

Bodycam audio records deputies calling out speeds and intersections as the chase moved through traffic. Officers deployed spike strips that struck the truck and one wheel was heavily damaged; deputies described sparks coming from the vehicle as it continued at high speed.

Crash And Immediate Response

The pursuit ended near Fones Road on Pacific Avenue Southeast when Romanoff crossed into opposing traffic and collided head-on with another car. Inside that vehicle were Bruce Clark, his wife and the wife’s sister, 70-year-old Gina Munna, who had recently arrived in Washington to celebrate her sister’s birthday.

Deputies shifted immediately from pursuit to triage. Munna was critically injured and later died. Bruce Clark suffered a broken vertebra; his wife suffered a broken vertebra and three broken ribs. At the scene and later at the hospital, Romanoff repeatedly told officers, "You guys shouldn’t have pursued me."

Investigation, Charges And Sentence

That evening a Washington State Patrol detective informed Romanoff she was under arrest; investigators listed possible offenses including vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, felony hit-and-run and possession of a stolen vehicle. Court filings later described Romanoff as high, confused and panicked during the events, and said she believed reckless driving would persuade officers to stop the pursuit.

On Jan. 14, 2026, Romanoff pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and vehicular assault while under the influence. A judge sentenced her on April 27, 2026 to 275 months in prison (just under 23 years), followed by three years of community custody. Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders noted Romanoff had 47 prior arrests and three active warrants when she was encountered in 2024.

Legacy

Munna was a mother of two and grandmother of four. The sentence closed a case that began with a reported vehicle theft more than 60 miles away and drew renewed public attention after the body-worn camera footage circulated online.

Reporting referenced Code Blue Cam bodycam footage, The Olympian and KIRO 7 coverage.