A Portland man was arrested Thursday after an alleged high-speed chase through Centralia and Chehalis that ended in his capture from a ravine off Summit Road.
Police said they found a revolver inside the man’s Dodge Challenger.
Bryan A. Hampton, 44, was scheduled for a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Friday. He faces possible charges that include eluding, unlawful firearm possession, DUI, hit-and-run and resisting arrest.
Hampton is prohibited from possessing a firearm due to past criminal offenses.
According to a news release from the Centralia Police Department, officers responded to a reported theft in the 1300 block of Lum Road at about 4:10 p.m. Thursday.
The officers located the suspect’s Challenger near the Centralia Outlets off West High Street. As they closed in, the suspect allegedly fled through the parking lot onto Harrison Avenue.
Another officer reportedly saw the Challenger run a red light on Harrison and rear-end a box van before turning south onto Interstate 5. A chase ensued.
According to police, the suspect refused to pull over as he hit speeds over 100 mph. He then took Exit 79 in Chehalis, first heading in the direction of Walmart.
“In a nearby carwash parking lot, the suspect drove directly toward a police vehicle before swerving at the last moment to avoid a collision,” the release said.
After officers lost sight of the Challenger in downtown Chehalis, the Chehalis Police Department, Washington State Patrol and Lewis County Sheriff’s Office joined the search effort.
Police said they were aided by multiple tips from citizens reporting the suspect’s location and route. They found the Challenger abandoned on Summit Road.
Centralia police K-9 Havik began his search, which led him down a nearby ravine to the hiding Hampton. According to the release, police found Hampton “covered in scratches from traveling through dense brush.” They transported him to the hospital for medical clearance.
Hampton was booked into the Lewis County Jail at about 11 p.m.
“The coordinated efforts of all participating agencies successfully removed a career criminal from our streets, enhancing safety for the community,” the release said. “The Centralia Police Department extends its sincere thanks to the Chehalis Police Department, Lewis County Sheriff’s Office, and Washington State Patrol for their assistance in this apprehension.”
