Chelan County, WA – A Yakima man is in custody after allegedly leading deputies on a high-speed chase Tuesday afternoon that ended in a crash near Malaga.
According to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, the incident unfolded around 4 p.m. Tuesday when a deputy was monitoring traffic near milepost 1 on Malaga Alcoa Highway. Authorities said a vehicle was allegedly observed traveling well above the posted speed limit. After confirming the speed with radar, the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop using emergency lights.
Investigators said the driver allegedly failed to yield and continued at a high rate of speed, passing other vehicles in what deputies described as erratic driving behavior. Officials noted the deputy suspected the driver may have been impaired and continued the pursuit in an effort to safely stop the vehicle.
The chase continued until the intersection of West Malaga Road and Benjamin Lane, where the suspect allegedly attempted a right turn, lost control, and crashed into a ditch.
Authorities said the driver then exited the vehicle and allegedly fled on foot. After a brief pursuit and a warning regarding the use of a Taser, the suspect was taken into custody without further incident.
The driver was identified as 23-year-old Fernando Justis of Yakima. Deputies said Justis allegedly had multiple active felony warrants and a criminal history that includes convictions for first-degree theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, attempting to elude a police officer, motor vehicle theft, and first-degree robbery.
Justis was booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center on outstanding warrants and new charges, including allegedly attempting to elude a police vehicle and resisting arrest.
Officials said the case remains under investigation.
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