According to law enforcement, the suspect was arrested for the 98th time after allegedly working with an accomplice to steal thousands of dollars worth of merchandise from various stores across multiple counties. The individuals even used bags stolen from one store to carry shoplifted goods from another.
Police spotted the suspects' pickup truck on Interstate 5 near Olympia. As officers prepared to stop the vehicle, the driver accelerated, leading to a high-speed chase.
Dashcam footage recorded the vehicle exceeding 100 mph (160 km/h) as it sped toward downtown Olympia.
Authorities were forced to terminate the initial pursuit because the suspect drove through busy streets and intersections, endangering the public. Another chase was also called off when the individual continued to drive recklessly toward Lacey, running red lights at nearly 80 mph (130 km/h).
Shortly after, the vehicle was abandoned near College Street. The two suspects fled on foot into a residential area toward a primary school, prompting a search by law enforcement.
K-9 units tracked and apprehended the suspects just minutes later. Bodycam video shows police detaining the suspect while ordering him to put his hands up and step back before being taken into custody.
Inside the vehicle, police discovered a significant amount of stolen merchandise along with narcotics, including meth, heroin, and fentanyl.
Notably, authorities also found a makeshift drug paraphernalia device mounted in the car's dashboard, allowing the driver to consume drugs while operating the vehicle.
The suspect, who has been convicted multiple times, now faces charges including driving under the influence (DUI), eluding law enforcement, and drug possession. Investigators have also applied for a warrant to test a blood sample for the investigation.
Additionally, he may face further charges related to organized retail theft in Lewis County after processing is complete in Thurston County.
The other accomplice was handed over to another agency to be processed for a separate theft case.
A police spokesperson stated that the suspect is back in jail for the 98th time, emphasizing his status as a chronic repeat offender.
