Repeat offender nears 100th arrest after crime, drugs and wild high-speed chase
A recaptured and nearly 100-year-old felon is back behind bars after deputies say he led police on a dangerous chase following a string of shoplifting sprees across Washington state.
The police released a video showing the chase and eventual capture of the suspect.
Authorities say the suspect, who has been incarcerated for the 98th time, was part of a duo accused of stealing thousands of dollars in merchandise from multiple stores, sometimes using bags stolen from one retailer to take from another.
Police spotted the suspects’ truck on Interstate 5 near Olympia, but before they could stop, the driver sped off, and the speeding began.
Video of the pursuit captures deputies screaming 100 miles per hour as the truck sped toward downtown Olympia.
Police attempted to stop the car but gave up pursuit when the driver began speeding through city streets and intersections, putting others at risk.
The second attempt was halted for safety reasons as the suspect continued to drive recklessly toward Lacey, at times running red lights at speeds close to 80 mph, according to radio traffic.
A short time later, the truck was found abandoned near College Street.
Authorities say the suspects fled the car and headed to a nearby area where they were heading to an elementary school, which led to a search.
A K9 team followed them minutes later.
The video shows deputies confronting the suspects with guns pointed at them, repeatedly ordering them to “show me your hands” and “keep moving back” before both are arrested.
Inside the car, investigators say they found thousands of dollars in stolen items, as well as meth, heroin and fentanyl.
Deputies also found what they described as a custom-made tune mounted on the dashboard, allegedly allowing the driver to use drugs while driving.
Authorities say they obtained a warrant to test the driver’s blood as part of a DUI investigation.
The suspect, who has four prior felony convictions and 97 prior arrests, is now facing charges including DUI, attempting to elude police and drug possession.
He is expected to face charges of organized theft in Lewis County once he is released from the Thurston County Jail. The second suspect was transferred to another police department in connection with another theft case.
In a statement the sheriff’s office highlighted the history of the suspect and the outcome of his arrest:
“Tonight, he is back in jail for the 98th time on charges of DUI, eluding and drug possession,” Sheriff Derek Sanders wrote in the post. “Good job by the deputies and dispatchers on arresting some criminals … again.”
