Thursday, October 1, 2026
A 31-year-old man was arrested after a car chase and an alleged altercation with Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders on Saturday, Aug. 2.
Video footage released by the sheriff on his social media page shows the incident began when he spotted a white work truck driving without headlights and traveling 53 miles per hour (mph) in a 35 mph zone along Steilacoom Road.
The work truck nearly collided with another vehicle before passing it in a no-passing zone and speeding away.
When Sheriff Sanders attempted a traffic stop, the driver reportedly refused to pull over, continuing until reaching his residence.
The video shows the man, later identified by sheriff's office records as Ivan Alejandro Mendez Lopez, exited the truck holding a drink and ignored commands to cooperate. He then attempted to run inside the home, but was stopped by the sheriff.
“When I grabbed ahold of them, they doused me in the face and eyes with what smelled like sweet liquor, at which point a fight ensued,” said Sheriff Sanders in the social media post.
During the altercation, the man allegedly grabbed the sheriff’s throat, damaged radio equipment and continued resisting despite attempts to subdue him.
A neighbor intervened, and the suspect was eventually taken to the ground but the suspect continued to resist. A K-9 was deployed, biting the man’s ear, after which he surrendered.
Authorities obtained a warrant for a blood draw to test for intoxicants. Sheriff Sanders said the blood result came back positive for methamphetamine.
The man was taken to a hospital for medical clearance before being booked on multiple charges, including driving under the influence, third-degree driving while license suspended, obstructing a law enforcement officer, resisting arrest, failure to obey police officer, reckless driving and third-degree assault.
Family members told investigators the man had refused offers for a ride home after drinking from an event earlier that night and did not have permission to drive the company vehicle. The truck was not impounded due to its necessity for the family’s business.
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Boatyarddog
Stay Safe Sheriff Sanders, We Do not want to lose you!!!
Your ALL doing a great service for our Community. THANKS
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 Report this
S2345S23456
Why do we need to know this? Can we get some real news, please? This recent surge in crime reports on Jolt is unnecessary, as they are everyday happenings already posted on the OPD Blotters that anyone can subscribe to and read. WE ALL ALREADY KNOW THAT CRIME HAPPENS HERE - SO, HOW IS THIS NEWS? Broadcasting crime bits is just laziness. Instead, try an analysis on local crime statistics. But ultimately, please report on real news that's actually news in the community. There are plenty serious issues as well as positive ongoings to report.
Wednesday, August 6, 2025 Report this
WeLikeLacey
I disagree with that last comment. I hope The Jolt continues to inform our community on what is happening here. That includes crime reports. When I see the headlines for articles about topics I am not interested in, and I choose not to read those articles. We all have that same choice. But I do agree that an analysis on crime in the area would be interesting, especially how it effects the business community.
Thursday, August 7, 2025 Report this