Sheriff pursues speeding driver; guns, drug paraphernalia found

A woman who was chased by Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders and a deputy for speeding was later found to be in possession of firearms and drug paraphernalia.

In a Facebook post, Sanders said he observed a black sedan moving at 95 mph in a 40-mph zone on Sunday night, initiating a pursuit for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI), based on the time and the car’s high speed and lane travel on a holiday weekend.

Sanders said he and a deputy pursued the vehicle until it was driven into a wooded area near Sleater-Kinney Road NE, where the driver fled on foot.

The vehicle was found to be stolen, Sanders said, adding that a short-barrel AR-15 rifle was seen by the center console, and a Glock was later discovered on the floorboard.

Authorities contained the area and a K9 unit was called in. The driver was found hiding up a tree. She was arrested without further incident and booked for attempting to elude, DUI, resisting arrest, possession of a stolen vehicle, and two counts of unlawful possession of a firearm.

Sanders said the serial number of the rifle had been scratched off, and drug paraphernalia were found inside the car.

“Needless to say, these are the individuals driving around our county recklessly and fleeing law enforcement on a daily basis,” the sheriff said.

“Last night the stars aligned and we were able to articulate observed suspicion of DUI, but 99 times out of 100 under current state law, these individuals are able to drive away unlawfully possessing guns in stolen cars,” Sanders added.