Thursday, October 1, 2026
A 43-year-old man was arrested after attempting to flee law enforcement personnel during a traffic stop on Center Street SW.
According to a Thurston County Sheriff’s Office report, roving deputies encountered Chase Ernest Arevalo, of Tumwater, around 9:20 p.m. on Sept. 10 near the intersection of Center Street SW and 78th Avenue SW.
Arevalo was stopped while riding a bicycle without the required rear light. When asked for identification, he initially gave deputies a false name.
Before deputies could confirm his information, the suspect turned his bicycle around and attempted to leave the area. A short pursuit followed through nearby streets. Deputies said they repeatedly signaled him to stop, but he refused.
The chase ended when deputies blocked his path on Center Street, where the suspect fell from his bicycle. He admitted to fleeing because he had an outstanding misdemeanor warrant out of Tumwater for third-degree theft.
During a search of his belongings, deputies said they located several bags of alleged narcotics.
“Located inside of the bags were multiple bags containing a white powdery substance that we suspected based on our training and experience to be fentanyl,” a responding deputy stated in the report.
A digital scale, small empty plastic baggies, aluminum foil, straws and a drug pipe were also found. In addition, deputies recovered a small amount of cash in various denominations, separate from the money in the suspect's wallet.
Arevalo was booked into the Thurston County Corrections Facility on multiple charges, including first-degree criminal impersonation, manufacture/delivery/possession with intent to distribute controlled substance and obstructing a law enforcement officer.
2 comments on this item Please log in to comment by clicking here
PatMer
Wow, a stop for a minor infraction led to a drug dealer, likely fentanyl. That's an example for a good reason for those stops, and I thank TCSO for doing it.,
Saturday, September 27, 2025 Report this
TheVirtualOne
This is a perfect example of allowing law enforcement officers to do their jobs. Those who would attack an arrest like this would accuse the officers of racial profiling and discrimination, when the reality is they suspected this guy was involved in criminal activity. Hire good people to do their jobs job and let them do it. Good job!
Saturday, September 27, 2025 Report this