Wanted felon arrested at apartment complex in Tumwater

A 47-year-old man was arrested following an encounter at an apartment complex in Tumwater.

The incident happened around 11:30 p.m. on Sept. 28 at Suncrest Apartments, 320 Israel Road SW, according to a Tumwater Police Department report.

Officers were conducting a patrol check in the area due to repeated reports of ongoing criminal activity when they noticed a 2011 black Lexus sedan parked outside one of the units with both front doors open and two men inside. 

The driver, identified as George Koboum Kim, of Lakewood, reportedly gave a false name and date of birth. After checking state records, police determined the identity he provided did not match his appearance.  

Further investigation revealed the suspect had a felony warrant for escape from the Department of Corrections.

“Dispatch advised that the original charge was for taking a motor vehicle without permission, and that he was a convicted felon for that same charge along with identity theft 2nd degree,” a responding officer stated in the report. 

During the arrest, officers searched Kim and found about 4 grams of alleged methamphetamine, forged $20 bills, a fake driver’s license and more than $900 in cash. Police also located a smoking pipe and other items, believed to be related to drug activity, inside the vehicle. 

Kim told officers he had swallowed drugs and was taken to MultiCare Capital Medical Center in Olympia for evaluation before being booked into Thurston County Corrections Facility.

He faces multiple charges, including possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, forgery, criminal impersonation and possession of a fictitious identification card.