Suspect's relative saves deputy from fatal injury

We are extremely grateful for the safety of our deputy, the family, and the quick intervention and assistance from the family member who certainly saved numerous lives tonight.”

Thurston County Sheriff's Office

A Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) deputy escaped a potentially deadly situation thanks to the intervention of a suspect’s family member.

The incident, which happened Friday, February 2, in the Rainier area, started when deputies were searching for a vehicle associated with a domestic disturbance, where an alleged intoxicated, armed, and suicidal individual was reported to be driving, TCSO reported in their social media post.

Initially unable to locate the vehicle, deputies were diverted to attend to other pressing 911 calls.

However, a short time later, one deputy received notification of the individual's presence at a residence.

With no other deputies available due to the high volume of priority calls, a lone deputy responded to the scene to ensure the safety of everyone involved.

As the deputy engaged in conversation with family members at the location, the subject emerged from behind a structure wearing body armor and brandishing a loaded AR15 rifle with a holstered handgun and additional magazines strapped to a duty belt.

The suspect aimed the rifle at close range at the deputy, with a family member inadvertently caught in between.

Body armor and ammunition taken off of the suspect.

“As the deputy reacted to the threat, the family member quickly pushed the AR15 away,” TCSO reported.

A physical struggle followed, and the suspect was ultimately subdued and taken into custody without resorting to deadly force.

The suspect now faces charges of first-degree assault with a deadly weapon against law enforcement.

Both the AR15 rifle and the handgun were found to have rounds chambered, while a loaded AK47 was also discovered in the suspect's vehicle.

Following the incident, bail in the amount of $100,000 has been set for the suspect by the Thurston County Superior Court.

TCSO was thankful for the safe outcome of the incident, saying, “We are extremely grateful for the safety of our deputy, the family, and the quick intervention and assistance from the family member who certainly saved numerous lives tonight.”