The Washington State Patrol (WSP) booked a 22-year-old Olympia man into the Lewis County Jail on May 7 after he allegedly fled a traffic stop.
Mikel S. Ritchey made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court Friday for one count each of attempting to elude a police vehicle and driving while under the influence.
Judge Paul Strophy set Ritchey’s bail at $25,000 cash or bond, citing concerns for community safety and the potential “violent consequences” of his alleged behavior.
As part of his release conditions, Ritchey is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle without a valid license or insurance and cannot possess any non-prescribed drugs or alcohol.
According to a probable cause affidavit, a WSP trooper pulled Ritchey over after reportedly clocking the suspect’s Audi at speeds around 100 mph.
As the trooper approached the black Audi on foot, the suspect allegedly “put his car in drive and sped off,” according to the affidavit.
The trooper followed, but lost sight of the Audi.
Another trooper found the car some time later near an apartment building. Police eventually located the suspect inside the building.
According to the affidavit, Ritchey allegedly performed poorly on field sobriety tests and blew a .086 after agreeing to a preliminary breath test.
Ritchey had allegedly denied drinking after returning home.
Following his arrest, Ritchey allegedly gave two breath samples measured at .076 and .074, which were “taken a little over three hours after (the trooper) had been driving,” according to the affidavit.
The affidavit notes Ritchey has a pending DUI charge out of Grays Harbor District Court.
He is scheduled for an arraignment in Lewis County Superior Court on Thursday.
