A man suspected of multiple auto thefts was arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase that ended with him fleeing into a swamp, and then climbing 50 feet up a tree hanging over a cliff.
Olympia Police Department (OPD) personnel identified a stolen vehicle from Seattle on Christmas Day, initiating the chain of events.
“The suspect fled on foot and escaped, but OPD officers were able to obtain a photo of the suspect who was likely trying to get back to Seattle,” Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders said in a press release on Facebook.
On Thursday, Dec. 26, a late-night 911 call reporting an auto theft on Olympia’s west side led officers to Martin Way, where they found the vehicle driving recklessly.
“The information was broadcast to Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO), and one of our deputies located the vehicle still driving recklessly and attempted a traffic stop,” the sheriff said.
The driver refused to pull over, initiating a pursuit northbound on Interstate 5.
“The vehicle took the Marvin Rd exit. Deputies attempted a tactical vehicle intervention and a grapple, however the suspect turned down a dead-end road and ended up crashing into a guard rail near the beach,” the sheriff continued.
The suspect fled into a swamp, prompting a search involving K-9 Mac and an infrared-equipped drone.
Officers from the Olympia and Lacey police departments set up what the TCSO described as “a lock tight perimeter.”
“After approximately 30 minutes of searching with infrared while the K-9 team waded through marsh, we located a heat signature … 50 feet up, dangling from a tree branch that was hanging over a cliff with a 200-foot drop down to the water,” the statement read.
K-9 Mac convinced the suspect to climb down.
He was identified as the same individual involved in the earlier theft and was taken into custody.
“Olympia currently has one in custody, and he will be booked on probable cause for auto theft from OPD and eluding from TCSO,” Sanders said.
“Great teamwork to get this guy captured!” the sheriff added.
Thurston County Sheriff’s Office personnel, including K-9 Mac, celebrated a coordinated multi-agency effort that ended in the capture of an auto theft.
Photo courtesy of Thurston County Sheriff's Office
5 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
KatAshe
What a crazy story. At least it ended well.
Friday, December 27, 2024 Report this
ddttwo2
Great job guys, you all ROCK especially K-9...
Saturday, December 28, 2024 Report this
JW
Nice catch, but the Thurston county judges will release him quickly. The corrupt judges in this county are worse than the criminals.
Saturday, December 28, 2024 Report this
Porter
Pay raises for them all!!
Saturday, December 28, 2024 Report this
Chappellg
Sorry the Grapple grabber & PIT Stop didn’t work, but K-9 & infra-red seeker did!! Great all-around teamwork & looks like no one was injured. My cars are now 1 thief safer!!
Saturday, December 28, 2024 Report this