Woman accused of fleeing Centralia police with theft suspect as passenger

A woman faces felony charges after she allegedly fled a traffic stop in Centralia with a theft suspect riding as her passenger.

Kisa M. Harris, 33, of Lakewood, made a preliminary appearance in Lewis County Superior Court Friday for one count of attempting to elude a police vehicle.

The Class C felony is punishable by up to five years in prison. A judge set bail at $20,000 cash or bond, and ordered that Harris be prohibited from driving without a valid license and insurance as part of her release conditions.

According to a probable cause affidavit, Harris' "extensive" criminal history includes convictions for theft, bail jumping, attempted perjury, burglary, and other offenses.

Prosecutors say Harris has used multiple names and Social Security numbers in the past.

According to the affidavit, a Centralia police officer tried to pull over Harris' vehicle on June 4 after observing an occupant who had "attempted to conceal their identity."

The officer also learned the vehicle - whose registration had expired - was linked to a reported theft in Chehalis.

As the officer pursued, Harris allegedly sped up and around vehicles on the Interstate 5 on-ramp and continued north on the interstate.

The chase reportedly reached speeds of 120 mph, before Harris took the exit toward Tenino, where Thurston County deputies used a precision immobilization technique to stop her vehicle.

The passenger, Steven Hughes, allegedly "admitted to stealing alcohol from the Chehalis Walgreen the day before and selling it in Tacoma," according to the affidavit.

Hughes allegedly told police Harris had not been involved in the theft, and reported that he was unsure why she had fled.

Harris allegedly said Hughes had told her to flee and "indicated Hughes told her to swerve into oncoming traffic," according to the affidavit.

Harris is scheduled for an arraignment on Thursday.

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