Suspect of child rape arrested few moments before New Year

Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO) deputies responded to two incidents moments before the clock struck midnight on New Year’s Eve.

TCSO reported in a social media post that around 11 p.m., deputies located an individual who had been on their radar throughout the day.

Arrest of child rape suspect

The male suspect had an active TCSO felony warrant for first-degree child rape and first-degree child molestation.

The arrest occurred near a large encampment at the intersection of Martin Way E and Ensign Road.

Following the arrest, the suspect was booked into the Thurston County jail.

Stolen vehicle

Shortly after, at 11:26 PM, TCSO deputies and K9 Bowie responded to the request for assistance from the Tumwater Police Department for an auto theft in progress.

Through collaboration with the Washington State Patrol (WSP), Tumwater police located the stolen vehicle unoccupied.

K9 Bowie and his handler were requested and this led to the recovery of the victim's phone.

Just down the street where the stolen vehicle was found, authorities found a male positively identified as the suspect in the auto theft.

The arrested suspect is no stranger to local law enforcement, “a regular auto thief” with a history of criminal activities.

Further investigation revealed that the individual had an active Department of Corrections (DOC) escape warrant for a hit and run with injury.