On April 21, 2024, a Snoqualmie-North Bend Police Officer located an occupied stolen vehicle in the 400 block of SW Mt Si Blvd in North Bend, WA. The officer attempted to contact the male suspect, but he fled as the officer approached the truck. Officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on Bendigo Blvd, but the suspect continued to flee and elude officers. In compliance with state law and Snoqualmie Police Department policy, the officer did not initiate a pursuit. Officers flooded the area and located the suspect's vehicle at Ballarat Ave S and E 2nd St. The driver jumped out of the moving truck, which then collided with the North Bend Montessori School.
Officers were able to successfully take the driver into custody after a short foot chase. Once he was identified, the driver was found to have several active warrants for his arrest. Officers attempted to book the suspect on his warrants, but he was declined for booking at two jails after claiming he had swallowed fentanyl. The suspect was released at a hospital for medical treatment to prevent an overdose.
Later in the day, supervisors on duty learned the suspect was a person of interest in a homicide and robbery in Fife, WA. The Snoqualmie Police Department has been actively working with Fife Police Department investigators, including turning over the truck and other evidentiary items for their investigation.
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