Man arrested following hit-and-run, alleged assault of deputies 

A man was arrested on Monday night, May 26 after allegedly fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run crash and assaulting two deputies who attempted to detain him, according to Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO). 

The TCSO shared video footage taken by the suspect’s family member showing the 60-year-old man, identified as John Don Rufus, refusing to surrender. 

TCSO deputies responded to reports of a vehicle collision in a residential neighborhood in 7500 block of Titan Drive SE, in which the driver had reportedly left the scene on foot.  

Upon investigation, deputies found signs of alcohol consumption inside the abandoned vehicle. 

While deputies remained on scene, the suspect returned, holding a motorcycle helmet.  As officers attempted to take him into custody, he tried to enter a relative’s vehicle.  

“The suspect stated he was not going to jail before swinging and striking one deputy in the face with the helmet before pulling back and attempting to land another helmet strike when the trainee blocked it with his hand,” TCSO Sheriff Derek Sanders said in a social media post.

The man was tackled and restrained until backup arrived. Though the suspect reportedly claimed he was being harmed during the arrest, deputies maintained that no pressure was applied to his chest or neck. 

The suspect faces multiple charges, including second-degree assault, felony harassment, hit-and-run, resisting arrest, driving under the influence, third-degree driving while license suspended, and operating a vehicle without an ignition interlock when required.