Executive Summary
- A “high lethality” domestic violence suspect was arrested in Tumwater, Washington, on Christmas Day.
- The arrest followed a two-month manhunt involving Thurston County Sheriff’s Office K-9 units.
- Charges include first-degree burglary and second-degree assault involving strangulation.
- Investigators allege the suspect violated a no-contact order and threatened the victim’s life.
A fugitive classified by law enforcement as a “high lethality” domestic violence suspect was taken into custody on Christmas Day in Tumwater, Washington, ending an intensive two-month search involving specialized K-9 units.
According to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO), the investigation began in late October when deputies assisted the Tumwater Police Department with a report of a domestic violence assault. Investigators determined that the suspect, an ex-spouse of the victim, allegedly broke into the residence in violation of an active no-contact order. The victim reportedly attempted to seek refuge in a bathroom during the intrusion.
Deputies stated that during the altercation, the suspect told the victim, “someone is going to die tonight,” before allegedly strangling her and fleeing the scene. Following the incident, the Sheriff’s Office launched an extensive search operation, deploying K-9 Asher and his handler to patrol the vicinity of the victim’s home and other locations the suspect was known to frequent.
Authorities confirmed that the K-9 unit located the suspect in Tumwater on December 25. The individual was subsequently booked into the TCSO jail on charges including first-degree burglary with a domestic violence designation, assault in violation of a no-contact order, and second-degree assault involving strangulation. Sheriff Sanders publicly commended the K-9 team for their “relentless” pursuit in the case.
Investigative Outlook
The apprehension of this suspect underscores the prioritization of “high lethality” domestic violence cases by local law enforcement, particularly those involving strangulation, which is statistically linked to a significantly higher risk of future homicide. The successful resolution of this manhunt eliminates an immediate threat to the victim and the community, allowing the focus to shift toward the judicial process regarding the multiple felony charges and outstanding warrants. It is important to note that all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
