Thurston County deputies injured during violent arrest in felony harassment investigation

THURSTON COUNTY, Wash. — Thurston County deputies launched an investigation into death threats made toward a public defender on Tuesday, leading to a violent confrontation with the suspect.

The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office said deputies responded to the suspect’s home to address allegations of felony harassment.

Upon arrival, the suspect became combative, resulting in a physical altercation, according to the TCSO.

During the struggle, one deputy was punched in the face and began bleeding from the ear. The suspect also attempted to gouge out the eye of a second deputy, the TCSO wrote.

Shortly after the altercation, the TCSO said the suspect was eventually apprehended.

“A WRAP restraint system was applied,” wrote the TCSO on Facebook. “Once the suspect is cleared from the hospital, he will be booked for felony harassment and multiple counts of felony assault. Both deputies are being treated and are in good spirits with command staff, deputies, and me at the hospital with them.”