Manson,WA (CCSD) - Sheriff Mike Harum reports Deputies were advised at 1404 hrs of a vehicle theft that had just taken place at the BJ’s Shell Station, 153 Easy St.  The suspect was last seen driving west onto Hwy 2 in the older Chevy van.  Deputies intercepted the vehicle at the Monitor Hwy 2 intersection about 5 minutes later and attempted to stop the fleeing vehicle, being driven by a lone white male.  The suspect began slowing just west of the intersection and did come to a stop as Deputies attempted a felony stop.  As they exited their vehicles, the suspect sped off, again west on Hwy 2.

The suspect reached speeds of 50 – 60 MPH and attempted to ram one of the Deputies vehicles numerous times as he would swerve across the entire Hwy and try to sideswipe the patrol unit or strike it from the rear as his speed changed dramatically.  In the area of Red Apple Rd/Hughes Rd, Cashmere the suspect left the Hwy, driving down the shoulder, through the ditches and up onto Hughes Road.  Deputies continued following him up Hughes Road where he turned right onto Eels Road.  At this point he was headed to a dead end road.

The suspect continued onto the primitive road, before leaving the roadway again.  This time he drove down through an orchard, hitting trees as he went.  After a short distance the vehicle went over an embankment and became stuck.  The male suspect fled on foot into the deep ravine of heavy brush.  Deputies surrounded the area and the suspect was soon located hiding.  He was brought out of the ravine without further incident and placed into custody.  He then began complaining of heart problems, an Aide Unit was requested.  He was subsequently transported to Central Washington Hospital, check for his condition and later released into Deputies custody.

The 31 year old male from Ephrata was booked into the Regional Jail for Vehicle Theft, Eluding Police, Attempted Vehicular Assault, Malicious Mischief 2nd Degree, and other minor charges.