Suspect barricades himself in car after I-5 pursuit in Thurston County, dog inside vehicle unharmed

A suspect with a warrant barricaded themselves inside a car after fleeing from authorities early Thursday morning, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.

While law enforcement officials attempted to arrest the suspect after pulling him over on I-5, he caused a fight, assaulted a Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper, and fled the scene in a vehicle.

According to Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders, he, a K9 unit, and multiple deputies pursued the suspect and conducted a PIT maneuver to stop him. Deputies additionally shut the freeway down.

A PIT (Pursuit Immobilization Technique) maneuver is a pursuit tactic in which a pursuing vehicle forces a fleeing vehicle to abruptly turn sideways, causing the driver to lose control and the vehicle to stall.

Suspect barricades himself inside car

While a passenger exited the vehicle, the driver barricaded themselves in the car, refusing to get out.

Troopers in Olympia were just in pursuit of a suspected DUI driver. A successful PIT maneuver was conducted just north of Nisqually (MP 114) and now the subject is barricaded inside of their vehicle.

Lanes 1 and 2 are blocked as Troopers and assisting agencies work the scene.

— Trooper Kameron Watts (@wspd1pio) April 23, 2026

“Lacey PD deployed a drone and the suspect could be seen trying to start the car again without success,” Sanders wrote in a social media post. “The rear window was ported open with a less lethal 40mm launcher, and the vehicle was subsequently filled with Pepperball.”

The suspect lasted only 15 seconds once the pepper irritant filled the car, causing him to surrender and be taken into custody.

A Husky dog was additionally inside the vehicle, but was not harmed. The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office described the dog as “friendly” with law enforcement.

“Great job Lacey PD and WSP!” Sanders stated.

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