Law enforcement officials from several local agencies were searching for the suspected driver of a stolen vehicle who fled from Centralia Police Department officers on foot in Centralia Friday afternoon.
The city’s Flock License Plate Recognition System alerted the Centralia Police Department to a stolen vehicle in the area around 3 p.m. on Friday, prompting officers to respond and make contact with the vehicle, according to Centralia Police Chief Stacy Denham.
When officers made contact, the suspect took off, crashed the vehicle and then fled on foot, according to Denham.
“He’s running fast and hard. He does not want to get caught,” Denham said at about 4 p.m. on Friday.
The Centralia Police Department has deployed a K9 to search the area and, for the first time, has a drone in the air conducting overwatch.
Denham advised there is no danger to the community at this time, though officers are worried the suspect will attempt to steal another car.
The suspect is described as a white male with a thin build and short hair who is wearing black sweats and no shirt.
