Pistol-whipped before being forced to drive, alleged kidnapping victim runs into Fred Meyer asking for help

A man allegedly pistol-whipped and kidnapped an acquaintance, forcing him to drive to the Fred Meyer story in Tumwater where the alleged victim ran inside, screaming for help, on Thu., July 29.

Michael Lee Jackson, 41, of Lacey, was arrested 10 days later, on Aug. 7, on multiple charges.

Jackson allegedly started the events of July 29 at approximately 7 a.m. by texting the alleged victim to request a car ride, offering $10 in gas money for the favor.

When the alleged victim arrived at the apartment, Jackson was smoking a “blunt,” had the victim sit on a couch, then pulled out a gun, cocked it, and said to the alleged victim  “we have a problem.”

Jackson allegedly held a gun up to the victim’s head, stating that he had a video of the victim breaking into Jackson’s apartment and stealing things. Jackson claimed to also have neighbors who also witnessed the victim doing this.

The victim’s alibi did not satisfy Jackson, who stated to the victim “Don’t lie to me. You think I’m a joke? I’m a gangster.”

Jackson then pistol-whipped the alleged victim several times with the gun, in the forehead, eyeball, mouth, face and back of the head. The alleged victim claims Jackson knocked two of his teeth out in the course of the beating.

Jackson then broke the victim’s cell phone in half and accused the victim of working with the Lacey police as an informant, which the victim denied.

Jackson told the victim that since the victim was not producing information, that Jackson would bring the victim to “James Christoffy” who Jackson said would kill the victim if the victim didn’t tell “Christoffy” everything.

Jackson and Jackson’s girlfriend drove the victim to the Tumwater Fred Meyer. Jackson’s girlfriend allegedly told the victim that her father was in the Navy and “studies people’s brains” and that’s how Jackson’s girlfriend knew that the victim was lying.

The victim made an escape out the driver’s door when Jackson was distracted. A security camera allegedly shows the alleged victim run into the store, followed a few seconds later by Jackson.  Jackson left the store after customers called 911. 

Lacey police interviewed the alleged victim, who gave a detailed description of Jackson’s apartment. Jackson had multiple felony convictions which precludes him from legally possessing a firearm.

On Aug. 7 at 8:41 a.m., Jackson was recognized by Lacey police outside of his apartment complex and was taken into custody. Once the handcuffs were put on Jackson, he claimed to not be able to breathe. Jackson was stood up, and he went limp. According to the police report, it was believed that Jackson was faking a seizure. Jackson’s pulse was checked and it was strong. Lacey Fire arrived and had to clear him at St Peter Hospital.

At the hospital, Jackson continued to argue  against using the restraints on him and struggled against the police there. 

Jackson was later booked into Thurston Jail for felony kidnapping, felony harassment, assault and resisting arrest.