The subject of a manhunt in Centralia on Friday afternoon remains at large after evading capture.
On Friday, law enforcement officers searched for the suspected driver of a stolen vehicle who fled from Centralia Police Department officers on foot.
The city’s Flock License Plate Recognition System alerted the Centralia Police Department to a stolen vehicle in the 140 block of West High Street at approximately 2:30 p.m. on Friday, July 28. That prompted officers to respond and make contact with the vehicle, which was parked outside a local business, according to the Centralia Police Department.
The vehicle was reportedly taken during a residential burglary in Thurston County.
Although officers attempted to pin the vehicle in to prevent it from escaping, the suspect took off, crashed the vehicle into a motorhome and then fled on foot, according to the Centralia Police Department. He’s believed to have run to Rotary Riverside Park where he crossed the Skookumchuck River.
“He’s running fast and hard. He does not want to get caught,” Centralia Police Chief Stacy Denham said at about 4 p.m. on Friday.
The Centralia Police Department deployed a K9 to search the area and, for the first time, had a drone in the air conducting overwatch.
Denham advised Friday there was no danger to the community, though officers were worried the suspect would attempt to steal another car.
The case was still under investigation as of Monday morning.
The suspect is described as a white male with a thin build and short hair who was wearing black sweats and no shirt.
