Three men were arrested and multiple firearms, burglary tools and two stolen “Jaws of Life” devices were recovered following a chase that began in Lewis County and ended in Thurston County on Thursday, according to the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office.
On Thursday, deputies responded to a report of a burglary in progress in the 200 block of Hamilton Road in Chehalis.
As deputies arrived, three male suspects fled in a black Mercedes. A chase ensued, with law enforcement pursuing the suspects north on Interstate 5, east on Old Highway 99 toward Tenino and ending on state Route 507 north of Bucoda.
“Two suspects fled on foot, but thanks to the quick, coordinated work of our deputies, all three were safely taken into custody,” the sheriff’s office stated in a news release. “A search warrant was executed on the suspect vehicle, revealing multiple firearms, one of which had been reported stolen. Deputies also recovered several burglary tools and two Jaws of Life.”
The term “Jaws of Life” is used to collectively describe three hydraulic rescue tools known as the spreader, the cutter and the ram. First responders typically use these items to extricate, or free, individuals trapped inside a vehicle or some collapsed or compacted structure.
The three men who were arrested include Vicente M. Lloret, 22, Tacoma, Paul P. Patterson, 41, Tacoma, and Carl W. Rakos, 48, Pacific.
They were booked into the Lewis County Jail on charges including attempting to elude, second-degree burglary, possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a controlled substance, making and having burglary tools and resisting arrest.
Ultimately, the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office will determine what charges each defendant faces. The suspects will likely make an appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Friday afternoon.
“We are grateful for the assistance of Centralia P.D., Chehalis P.D. and for the teamwork and dedication of our deputies in keeping Lewis County safe,” the sheriff’s office stated in the release.
