Aberdeen, WA – A routine traffic stop in Grays Harbor County early Wednesday escalated into a felony eluding case after a driver fled deputies, crashed, and attempted to escape on foot, according to the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, the incident began just after midnight when a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle in the South Aberdeen area for expired vehicle tabs. Instead of pulling over, the driver allegedly fled, leading deputies on a high-speed pursuit through Cosmopolis and into the North River area of Grays Harbor County.
Authorities say the pursuit ended when the vehicle crashed into a guardrail near milepost 4 on North River Road. The driver then allegedly fled on foot into nearby woods. A passenger who remained with the vehicle was contacted by deputies and arrested on an outstanding Department of Corrections felony warrant for drug possession.
Additional deputies and officers from the Aberdeen Police Department responded to assist with the search for the driver. Despite an extensive overnight search, officers were initially unable to locate the suspect. Investigators later identified the driver as a 34-year-old man from South Bend.
Around 9 a.m. Wednesday, deputies were alerted by several North River residents who reported seeing a disheveled man wandering the area and asking for a ride. Deputies responded and located the suspect, who was described as wet, cold, and tired after spending the night outdoors.
The man was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Grays Harbor County Jail. Officials said he was provided clean clothing, a meal, and a blanket after being transported to the facility.
Charges have been referred to the Grays Harbor County Prosecutor’s Office, including felony eluding, hit-and-run, and unlawful imprisonment. The investigation remains ongoing.
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