The Portland man found hiding in a ravine following a high-speed chase through Centralia and Chehalis remained in custody Friday in lieu of $100,000 in bail.
Bryan A. Hampton, 44, is charged with one count each of first-degree unlawful firearm possession, a Class B felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison, and attempting to elude a police vehicle, a Class C felony punishable by up to five years in prison.
Hampton also faces charges of driving under the influence, third-degree theft, and hit-and-run of an attended vehicle, all gross misdemeanors.
During Hampton’s preliminary appearance, Deputy Prosecutor Brandi Archer noted Hampton’s lack of ties to the area, and said Hampton had criminal history out of Oregon and Louisiana, including a number of burglary and forgery convictions.
Defense attorney Rachael Tiller said Hampton was unable to post bail and was about to begin a drug court program. Tiller said Hampton was his daughter’s caregiver.
“I’ve never missed court. I’ve always shown up,” Hampton said.
Hampton told the court he also does “weekend blocks” in Clackamas County for a prior offense.
Tiller said Hampton may wish to expedite the case.
As part of his release conditions, Hampton is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle without a valid license or insurance, and must stay within Western Washington or the greater Portland area.
According to a news release from the Centralia Police Department, officers responded to a reported theft at a store in the 1300 block of Lum Road at about 4:10 p.m. Thursday.
A probable cause affidavit indicated the theft occurred at the DXL outlet store.
“The reporting party stated the suspect was driving a blue Dodge Challenger with no license plates,” the affidavit said.
The officers located the suspect’s Challenger near the Centralia Outlets off West High Street. As they closed in, the suspect allegedly fled through the parking lot onto Harrison Avenue.
Another officer reportedly saw the Challenger run a red light on Harrison and rear-end a box van before turning south onto Interstate 5. A chase ensued.
According to police, the suspect refused to pull over as he hit speeds over 100 mph, at times weaving through traffic and driving on the shoulder of the road.
He then took Exit 79 in Chehalis onto Chamber of Commerce Way, heading toward Walmart.
“In a nearby carwash parking lot, the suspect drove directly toward a police vehicle before swerving at the last moment to avoid a collision,” the news release said.
According to the affidavit, Hampton was also seen driving through the Burger King drive-thru, before turning onto Louisiana Avenue and continuing in the wrong direction.
After officers lost sight of the Challenger in downtown Chehalis, the Chehalis Police Department, Washington State Patrol and Lewis County Sheriff’s Office joined the search effort.
Police said they were aided by multiple tips from citizens reporting the suspect’s location and route. They found the Challenger abandoned on Summit Road.
Centralia police K9 Havik began his search, which led him down a nearby ravine to the hiding Hampton. According to prosecutors, the K9 also found two counterfeit $100 bills.
According to the release, police found Hampton “covered in scratches from traveling through dense brush.” They transported him to the hospital for medical clearance.
Hampton was booked into the Lewis County Jail at about 11 p.m. According to the affidavit, officers obtained a warrant for a blood draw for suspected DUI.
Inside the Challenger, officers allegedly found several torches and a Taurus revolver located under the driver’s seat.
Police found two suspects who allegedly said they’d been with Hampton before he dropped them off.
According to the affidavit, officers acquired photos from the DXL store that allegedly showed Hampton as the suspect who had committed the theft.
The stolen items reportedly totaled $137.
Hampton is scheduled for an arraignment on July 23.
