Thurston County deputies use Grappler, 'less lethal' round to stop DUI suspect

Thurston County deputies used a Grappler device to disable a suspect's truck during a multi-county chase that ended in Tenino early Monday.

After he allegedly refused their commands, deputies used a "less lethal" 40-mm round and tackled the suspect, according to prosecutors.

Jake D. Johnson, 31, of Olympia, is charged with one count each of attempting to elude a police vehicle, driving while under the influence, ignition interlock violation, resisting arrest and third-degree driving with a suspended or revoked license.

See video from the chase here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/995336542856225

Johnson made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court on Monday. Judge Paul Strophy set Johnson's bail at $75,000 cash or bond and ordered that Johnson not operate a motor vehicle under any circumstances as part of his release conditions.

Prior to his ruling, Strophy cited Johnson's prior offenses, his concern for "escalating conduct," and the risk that Johnson could commit a future offense with violent consequences.

"These crimes are very serious, (and) it's a mystery to the court why the Legislature doesn't treat them as serious," Strophy said.

According to court documents, Johnson has past convictions for reckless driving and DUI, along with felonies such as first-degree theft, first-degree trafficking in stolen property and second-degree unlawful firearm possession.

Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders in a Monday Facebook post referred to Johnson as a "repeat fleeing DUI driver." Sanders did not name Johnson in the post.

According to a probable cause affidavit, a Lewis County Sheriff's Office sergeant began pursuing Johnson's Chevrolet Silverado northbound on Interstate 5 shortly after 12:08 a.m. June 1.

Earlier, the suspect had allegedly fled from Chehalis police.

The I-5 chase reportedly reached speeds up to 105 mph, before Johnson eventually took Exit 88 and continued onto state Route 507 toward Tenino.

The Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) was waiting.

"As the fleeing driver entered the city limits at speeds of 90 mph, a TCSO deputy equipped with a Grappler joined the pursuit," Sanders said. "Just 33 seconds after joining the pursuit, the fleeing driver was immobilized with a successful Grappler deployment."

Sanders said the suspect was "obviously intoxicated" as he exited his truck "holding what appeared to be a cup."

"The driver tried to get back into his truck and was shot with a less lethal 40-mm round before being taken into custody after a brief struggle," Sanders said.

According to the affidavit, deputies actually tackled Johnson to the ground before handcuffing him.

"At one point Johnson said he ran because he did not have a driver's license," the affidavit said.

He later allegedly said he'd had "a couple of drinks."

Though Johnson allegedly refused to take a preliminary breath test, a Lewis County deputy at the scene saw an open can of beer inside the truck, according to the affidavit.

"Johnson also vomited multiple times while with the deputy," the affidavit said.

The deputy could not locate the ignition interlock device required for Johnson's vehicle.

Deputies first transported Johnson to the hospital, where his blood was drawn, before booking him into the Lewis County Jail at about 4:30 a.m.

Johnson was scheduled for an arraignment on June 4.

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