Man Accused of Leading Deputies on High-Speed Chase Down Highway 12

Deputies say an Olympia man sped down U.S. Highway 12, failing to stop for pursuing deputies and causing other vehicles to go off the road to avoid collisions.

Thomas S. Brannam, 27, was charged with attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle and driving with a suspended license. He is being held in the Lewis County Jail, as of Monday, on $25,000 bail.

According to a probable cause affidavit, on Friday, a deputy clocked Brannam going 91 miles per hour in a 55 mph zone in the 3600 block of U.S. Highway 12.

The speeding vehicle — a 1998 Toyota Avalon — had passed another vehicle on a double yellow line and on a blind corner.

The deputy activated her lights and sirens and gave chase, but Brannam allegedly failed to pull over.

“The Toyota continued passing westbound vehicles by using the eastbound lanes, causing eastbound traffic to have to leave the roadway to avoid a collision,” court documents read.

Another deputy joined the chase and the Toyota slowed to 50 mph, but still didn’t stop, according to documents.

Spike strips were laid down on the road, however the car stopped and Brannam was arrested before he hit the strips.

During a hearing in Lewis County Superior Court Monday afternoon, Judge Joely O’Rourke imposed $25,000 bail, in accordance with a request from the Lewis County Prosecutor’s Office.

Defense attorney Rachael Tiller said Brannam denies that he was intentionally pursuing deputies. She said Brannam believes that a 911 call he made during the pursuit will clear up the situation.

He has an arraignment hearing set for Thursday.