Repeat Offender Arrested After Dangerous Chase
A man with a long history of violent crimes is back in custody after leading police on a risky chase in a stolen car, according to law enforcement officials.
On April 4, police and deputies responded to reports of an auto theft in Olympia, Washington, where the suspect had taken a Honda Civic and made off.
Officers quickly began searching for the stolen vehicle.
Before long, Tenino police officers located the car, but the driver refused to stop, prompting a pursuit toward the busy area of Tumwater.
Footage from the incident shows the suspect speeding down a road, at times reaching speeds close to 90 miles per hour. Meanwhile, officers communicated over the radio, trying to contain him before he reached a crowded area.
“If you keep him under 50, take him before he gets to Tumwater,” one officer was heard saying.
Attempts to stop the vehicle using a grappler device didn’t work.
Spike strips were then deployed to slow the suspect down. Initially, he stopped but then attempted to flee again.
As events intensified, more resources were called in, including air support to help track the suspect.
A deputy eventually executed a precision immobilization technique (PIT maneuver), successfully bringing the vehicle to a stop.
Officers then exited their vehicles and apprehended the suspect, preventing him from escaping into nearby neighborhoods.
Video footage showed officers surrounding the car and forcefully pulling the suspect out while shouting commands.
“Give me your hand! Give me your hand!” an officer yelled during the arrest.
Authorities noted that the suspect had an active fugitive warrant for assault. He is a 19-time convicted felon with a criminal record that includes robbery, assault on law enforcement, illegal firearm possession, burglary, and second-degree assault involving strangulation.
In addition to that, he has at least ten misdemeanor convictions and has faced multiple charges for attempting to evade police and possession of stolen vehicles.
Now, he’s facing additional charges like auto theft, attempted evasion of law enforcement, driving under the influence, and driving with a suspended license.
Authorities expressed concern, stating, “This type of repeat offender poses a clear danger to the public. Deputies took no risks and acted quickly to stop the threat before it reached a populated area.”
Law enforcement credited the teamwork of multiple agencies, including the Olympia Police Department, Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, and Tenino Police Department, for safely apprehending the suspect.
