Thursday, October 1, 2026
A 49-year-old man was arrested following a high-speed pursuit on highways and streets that allegedly reached speeds up to 130 miles per hour.
A Thurston County Sheriff's Office report states the chase began around 1:12 p.m. on Thursday, July 17, after a license plate reader in Olympia flagged a white 2004 Kia Optima reported as being stolen.
The vehicle was spotted running a red light at high speed, weaving through traffic and gaining distance from chasing police vehicles.
Sheriff's office deputies attempted to stop the car on Highway 101, but the driver refused to pull over, using highway shoulders to pass other vehicles.
The pursuit continued onto Interstate 5, where the motorist alternated between northbound and southbound directions in an effort to evade officers at speeds that reached 130 miles per hour. A patrol vehicle was able to eventually deploy its grappling device disabling the Kia at Exit 99 of Interstate 5 northbound, bringing the chase to an end.
The driver and a passenger were taken into custody without incident. The passenger was released while the driver was booked into Thurston County Corrections Facility.
The suspect, identified as Jermane Marcel Thibodeaux, of Seattle, initially provided a false name to deputies but was later identified through court documents found in the vehicle.
“It should be noted that the court paperwork was from a week prior where he was arrested for attempted auto theft, auto theft and residential burglary,” stated a responding deputy in the report.
Authorities were able to contact the Kia’s owner, who gave consent to search the vehicle. Deputies found a glass pipe at the backseat of the vehicle but it was not determined if the driver or the passenger was the owner of the drug paraphernalia.
Thibodeaux faces charges of possession of a stolen vehicle, attempting to elude law enforcement and first-degree criminal impersonation.
After authorities searched inside the Kia, the stolen vehicle was returned to its owner.
5 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
Acadian04
Glad they didn't have it towed, which would have stuck the victim with the tow bill and possible impound fee.
Monday, August 4, 2025 Report this
chrispc2u
For endangering the lives of others repeatedly he should be put away for decades. Obviously with prior arrest documents in the car the justice system is failing.
Monday, August 4, 2025 Report this
bobkat
It's called "catch and release," and will continue until the criminal "justice" system in this state comes to its' senses.
Monday, August 4, 2025 Report this
Overtaxed
People like Him need to get the Maximum sentence allowed by Law, No Mercy m.
Monday, August 4, 2025 Report this
HotTractor
Another grapple stop. Well done!
Monday, August 4, 2025 Report this