Driver arrested for alleged property damage and assault of deputy

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A 60-year-old man is facing multiple charges after allegedly crashing his vehicle into private property and later assaulting a deputy who attempted to detain him. 

The incident occurred on the evening of May 26, when deputies with the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office responded to reports of a vehicle collision on Titan Drive SE. The vehicle had reportedly struck a brick structure on a residential property. 

According to the victims, the driver, later identified in a police report as John Don Rufus, left the scene on foot shortly after the crash. He was described as wearing a blue shirt and jeans, and carrying a leather bag and a motorcycle helmet. 

The 1990 Honda Accord had become stuck on a small brick wall, which resulted to debris hitting the victim’s Ford Explorer and caused dents. 

The suspect returned and when confronted by the responding deputies, the suspect allegedly refused to comply with commands and began walking toward a nearby vehicle despite repeated warnings.  

As the deputy attempted to detain him, the suspect reportedly struck the deputy in the head with the motorcycle helmet.  

As I was getting my hands around the back of his neck to gain control of his upper body, I felt a hard object strike the right side of my head,” said the responding deputy in the police report. 

The responding deputies were able to subdue the suspect, who continued to resist and make threats while on the ground.  

John continued to make threats to harm and kill me while claiming to not be able to breathe,” the responding deputy added. 

Authorities noted a strong odor of alcohol on the suspect during the encounter. After being medically cleared at Capital Medical Center in Olympia, Rufus was booked into Thurston County Corrections Facility. 

The suspect is facing multiple charges, including second-degree assault, third-degree assault, harassment (threats to kill), resisting arrest, driving under the influence, third-degree driving while license suspended, hit-and-run, and operating a vehicle without a required ignition interlock device. 

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  • Chappellg

    Excellent job, deputies, for subduing a belligerent, intoxicated and dangerous man with no apparent serious injuries. This is how law enforcement should work without resorting to use of guns.

    Thanks

    Monday, June 9 Report this

  • Porter

    Go TCSO!!!

    Although he's probably already out on bail.

    Tuesday, June 10 Report this