COLFAX, Wash. — A convicted felon is in custody after fleeing from deputies and carrying illegal substances Friday evening.
According to a release from the Whitman County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), deputies saw a man occupying a stolen vehicle parked outside a local business in downtown Colfax. The man was later identified as 33-year-old Christopher Cornelius from Yakima. The suspect refused to comply with deputies after they attempted contact with Cornelius.
Deputies said he eventually fled the scene in the stolen vehicle. Deputies believed that the suspect was under the influence based on the erratic behavior and went after the suspect.
According to WCSO, deputies chased the car westbound on State Route 26 for 20 miles, reaching a speed between 80 to 90 mph. Cornelius eventually pulled over near Lacrosse due to the vehicle having mechanical issues.
“He was taken into custody without incident at that time,” said WSCO. “Deputies later obtained a search warrant for the vehicle and located methamphetamine, fentanyl, and a loaded 9mm handgun. Cornelius is a convicted felon for robbery and currently has an active Department of Corrections Warrant related to that charge out of Yakima County.”
Cornelius was booked in the Whitman County Jail with additional charges of Possession of a Stolen Vehicle, DUI, Attempt to Elude a Police Vehicle, Possession of Methamphetamine and Fentanyl, and Unlawful Possession of a Firearm.
According to WSCO, Cornelius is expected to have his first court appearance on Monday at the Whitman County Superior Court.
