A vehicle fled from the Mason County Sheriff’s Office after deputies attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The suspect vehicle, a maroon Acura sedan, continued into Thurston County, where the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office initiated a pursuit. The pursuit traveled southbound on Interstate 5 into Lewis County, where Washington State Patrol (WSP) troopers assumed primary responsibility.
A WSP trooper positioned near milepost 71 on Interstate 5 successfully deployed spike strips. The vehicle continued for approximately two miles before striking a Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) sign along the right shoulder of southbound I-5 near milepost 69, which ultimately disabled the vehicle.
Once disabled, the driver refused to exit and became a barricaded subject. The WSP Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team was notified and responded to the scene. Due to the barricaded subject, both northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 5 were closed to ensure public safety.
After several hours, the subject was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital.
The Washington State Patrol will remain the lead agency on the investigation. This remains an active investigation; charges are pending, and no additional information is available at this time.