THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office has released new video showing the pursuit of a 27-year-old man who is wanted for multiple felony crimes after allegedly shooting at a deputy with an AR-15.
The fugitive, identified as Damien Madison, is considered armed and dangerous and has multiple felony warrants, including drive-by shooting and first-degree assault, according to the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office. He has been convicted of 10 felonies.
Shortly after 4:30 p.m., deputies were told that a wanted felon was traveling from Grays Harbor County into Thurston County.
A deputy spotted the vehicle — an SUV — in the Tenino area. Initially, the SUV pulled over but then sped away, leading deputies on a chase out of Tenino along Highway 507. Madison was the passenger in the SUV.
As the chase continued onto Military Road, Madison deliberately tossed items at the deputy, trying to make the car crash, according to the TCSO. Those items included a large toolbox, a motorcycle helmet, and even a chainsaw.
Madison eventually fired an AR-15 at deputies, piercing one of the cars several times and bringing it to a halt. A deputy avoided being hit by less than a foot.
Madison also threw a gun from the SUV.
The fleeing SUV finally stopped after nearly crashing and let Madison out. When deputies approached the vehicle, they discovered Madison had fled. The female driver was taken into custody shortly after and arrested for eluding and rendering criminal assistance.
A search was launched on the ground and from the air. Along with TSCO deputies, the Washington State Patrol, King County’s Guardian One chopper, a SWAT team, and a K-9 searched for Madison, but he was not found.
Madison was last seen running into the woods near the Chehalis Western Trail near Waldrick Road and Stedman Road.
The female driver is Madison’s fiancé. She went before a judge on Friday, who found probable cause to hold her and set bail at $50,000. She is scheduled to be arraigned on May 20.
Madison is described as 5 feet 10 inches tall, 170 pounds, with brown eyes and dark hair. He was wearing a black hat with a red bill, a black T-shirt, and sunglasses.
Sanders told KOMO News this is at least the third time in six months that Madison has led officers on a police chase.
Sanders said he’s known about Madison for several years and has repeatedly warned the courts that if they don’t get tough against him, he’ll keep committing violent crimes.
“The last time that we booked him into jail for this last pursuit, I warned everyone. I said, ‘If we don’t start taking this individual seriously, someone is gonna get hurt or killed,’ and here is the result,” said Sanders. “He’s a prolific career criminal. Continues to get released back to the streets.”
Sanders also said Madison has a love of guns and stealing cars.
Law enforcement officials have expressed concern for public safety, stating that the suspect has made threats indicating he “will not be taken alive.” Efforts are underway to alert other police agencies to prevent any unsuspecting officers from being harmed during an encounter with the suspect.
The manhunt continues as authorities work to apprehend the suspect and mitigate the risk he poses to the community.
