Murder Suspect Apprehended After Escape from Medical Appointment

Thurston County, Wash. – A collaborative effort between Thurston County Sheriff’s deputies and the Chehalis Tribal Police led to the capture of a man accused of murder who briefly escaped custody on Thursday, March 12, 2026. The suspect fled while being transported to a medical appointment from the Maple Lane behavioral health facility in Grand Mound, Washington.

Details of the Escape and Apprehension

According to Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders, the suspect, previously committed due to a prior murder charge, escaped from the parking lot while awaiting his appointment. He initially fled on foot, prompting a response from both Thurston County Sheriff’s Office and Chehalis Tribal Police.

Homeowners in the area reported seeing the suspect jumping fences, and a K9 unit was deployed to track him. The suspect then ran across Interstate 5, where deputies performed a “rolling slowdown” to safely allow him to be apprehended. He was ultimately taken into custody using a taser, according to Sheriff Sanders.

Multi-Jurisdictional Response

The response involved multiple agencies, including the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, Chehalis Tribal Police, and school resource officers from the Rochester School District. Local schools were briefly placed on lockdown as a precautionary measure. 911 dispatchers played a crucial role in relaying information quickly and efficiently.

Previous Incident Involving Suspect

This incident follows a similar event on October 8, 2025, where an unnamed suspect evaded arrest after allegedly assaulting a woman near the Lucky Eagle Casino. In that case, the suspect fled north on Interstate 5, leading to a pursuit by Chehalis Tribal Police and Sheriff Sanders, reaching speeds of up to 145 mph. The pursuit was ultimately terminated due to concerns for the victim’s safety, and the suspect remained at large as of October 9, 2025.

Chehalis Tribal Police Department

The Chehalis Tribal Police Department operates 24/7 and can be reached at +1 (360) 273-7051. Their office is located at 30 Niederman Rd, Oakville, WA 98568. The department emphasizes character, integrity, honesty, servitude, courtesy, compassion, cooperation, commitment, candor, and constancy in its operations. Learn more about the Chehalis Tribal Police Department.

Resources

• Chehalis Tribal Law Enforcement
• Thurston County Sheriff’s Office News Release
• Previous Suspect Evades Arrest