THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders released dash camera footage showing a pursuit and arrest of two retail theft suspects.
One of the suspects was arrested for the 98th time, Sanders stated in the release.
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The March 22 incident began when Thurston County Sheriff’s Office deputies were informed that the suspects were fleeing toward them after allegedly stealing merchandise in another county. A deputy spotted the vehicle and initiated a pursuit.
The initial pursuit was quickly terminated after the suspects fled into downtown Olympia at high speeds. Another pursuit was initiated as the suspects left the downtown area, but was terminated again as the suspects drove erratically into another city area.
Dash camera video shows the suspects driving at high speeds and running red lights during the pursuit.
The suspect vehicle was later found abandoned in a residential area, according to the sheriff. A K-9 search later located the two suspects walking through a neighborhood. They were taken into custody at gunpoint.
One suspect was turned over to the Centralia Police Department for organized retail theft. A search of the truck uncovered thousands of dollars of stolen merchandise from multiple businesses.
Deputies also found a “custom bong device” built into the truck’s dashboard, as well as meth, heroin and fentanyl, according to Sanders. He is charged with DUI, eluding and possession of narcotics
The driver is a four-time convicted felon with 27 misdemeanor convictions and 97 prior arrests.
“Nice work by deputies and dispatchers to get some career criminals into custody…. again,” Sanders stated.
