High-speed chase hits speeds of 125 mph

Posted Tuesday, January 20, 2026 3:35 pm

By The JOLT News Staff

An attempted traffic stop by a Thurston County Sheriff's Office deputy turned into a high-speed chase that was eventually terminated.

The incident started on Saturday, Jan. 17, when a deputy tried to pull over a vehicle because it had expired tags. But instead of stopping, the driver fled and a pursuit followed on Interstate 5 (I-5).

"Additional deputies, K-9 Igo, and I joined the pursuit as it traveled north into Pierce County at speeds of 125 mph," said Sheriff Derek Sanders in a social media post.

"Multiple attempts to spike the vehicle were unsuccessful, and when air support was requested, nothing was available in (western Washington).

Without a reasonable method to end the pursuit, we terminated as we approached Tacoma on (I-5)."

After the chase was terminated, deputies got a lead and were able to identify the suspect. The suspect was referred to as a known drug dealer. The suspect is apparently still at large.

Comments

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SteveA

Anyone driving on our highways at speeds noted in this article poses an extreme risk to all motorists also on that highway. Law Enforcement included! For all the great things our sheriff has brought to us after replacing his predecessor it is still a shortcoming of his and his deputies that they create risks to many with their dangerous pursuits and broadcast their excessive speed as if it were noble, normal, or in our best interest. It is dangerous, deadly, and unnecessary.

Tuesday, January 20 Report this
Boatyarddog

Agreed!

Expired Tags No High speed chase!

Tuesday, January 20 Report this

High-speed chase hits speeds of 125 mph

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