Grappler Ends Chase but Burglary Suspect Starts Shooting

 

 

 Thurston County, Washington — On October 31, 2025, in the early morning, Thurston County Sheriff Office (TCSO) was dispatched to a commercial burglary in progress near Old Hwy 99. A neighbor called to advise that an unknown suspect was inside of a shop and attempting to steal a tractor inside by ramming the doors open. When deputies arrived, they observed a commercial building with substantial damage, a cut open gate, and a white pickup truck fleeing the scene. A pursuit was initiated for burglary. Chehalis Tribal Police successfully spiked the truck. A TCSO Sergeant deployed the grappler, which stopped the pursuit after just 2 minutes and 32 seconds resulting in a foot bail. K9 Manny and his handler began tracking the suspect, at which point the suspect opened fire. Units took cover and retreated to obtain their AR15s and set a perimeter as SWAT members responded. A short time later, the suspect was located in thick brush by Olympia Police K9 Arco and his handler. Sheriff Sanders responded to their location and tried to negotiate with the suspect, however he made threats to shoot at Officers. When Sheriff Sanders asked him to drop the gun, he stated “the only way I’m dropping this gun is after I pull the trigger”. After approximately 30 minutes of building rapport and negotiating, the suspect surrendered peacefully. The firearm was located in the trash can of a house nearby. During the investigation, it was learned that the truck was stolen during the burglary and the suspect did thousands of dollars in damage to the building. It appears the suspect was attempting to steal power equipment and tractors along with the truck. The suspect is a six time convicted felon for crimes such as dealing methamphetamine, possession of stolen property, eluding police, and burglary with 13 additional misdemeanor convictions for crimes such as assault, resisting arrest, and reckless driving. The suspect is being medically cleared as a precaution and will then be booked into Thurston County Jail for burglary 1st, auto theft, theft 1st, attempted theft 1st (x2), malicious mischief 1st, attempting to elude, and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon.