Man wanted on escape warrant arrested after allegedly assaulting police

A suspect was taken into custody Wednesday, August 14, following a brief chase and altercation with authorities in downtown Olympia.

The individual, identified as Paul D. Sweet, 40 years old, was apprehended at a bar on 4th Avenue in downtown Olympia after Olympia Police Department (OPD) officers recognized him and attempted to make contact due to a Department of Corrections (DOC) Escape warrant for third-degree assault.

The incident began around 9:25 p.m. when officers spotted the suspect near State Avenue and East Bay Drive.

Upon noticing the officers, the suspect fled the scene, prompting a pursuit that ended at a nearby bar, where Sweet was found shaving his face, seemingly to change his appearance.

After confirming the validity of the suspect's outstanding warrant, OPD officers moved to arrest him.

However, the suspect resisted, leading to a physical struggle inside and outside the establishment  , becoming increasingly combative, kicking at officers and causing a brief disruption before being subdued and placed into a patrol vehicle.

“While I was escorting Sweet from behind, Sweet used his right leg to ‘mule kick’ me,” the OPD officer stated in the police report. “The kick struck my right knee, slightly hyperextending it.”

“However, Sweet`s kick glanced off my kneecap, preventing any injury,” the officer continued. The suspect kicked the officers knee again later on and was informed of the charges against him. “Sweet stated, to the effect of, "I didn`t kick you!" And then "I barely touched you!" Said the officer.

The suspect was transported and booked into Thurston County Jail, where he now faces third-degree assault and resisting arrest on top of his outstanding warrant.