Fugitive arrested after chase and crash in Tumwater

Bail was set at $40,000 for a fugitive accused of hit-and-run driving while trying to elude a Thurston County sheriff’s deputy.

Korey E. Cleveland, 47, appeared Friday in Thurston County Superior Court. Arraignment was set for April 12.

Cleveland had been sought by police on a felony forgery warrant. A sheriff’s deputy spotted Cleveland in a vehicle on 83rd Avenue Southwest near Tumwater just before 2 p.m. March 29, the sheriff’s office said. The deputy had been looking for Cleveland in that area based on a tip that he was dating a woman who worked nearby, according to court documents.

Tumwater police joined the chase. During the pursuit, Cleveland turned onto Trosper Road, then drove over the land divider and into oncoming traffic as he turned north onto Capital Boulevard, according to documents.

As Cleveland approached E Street, he lost control and crossed into the oncoming lane, where he struck another vehicle as well as a post. The driver who was struck reported a back injury, and her vehicle was a total loss, according to documents.

The suspect fled on foot near Pints Barn Tavern and was eventually taken into custody. Cleveland was transported to Capital Medical Center after complaining of pain and was cleared for jail, according to documents.

At the time of his arrest, Cleveland had been on fugitive status since August with the Washington State Department of Corrections and had a warrant from Cowlitz County for a felony forgery charge. In that case, Cleveland is accused of stealing an ATM card and spending more than $19,000 in four different counties, according to court documents.

Cleveland’s criminal history includes a total of 31 felony convictions.

This story was originally published April 1, 2016 at 5:18 PM with the headline "Fugitive arrested after chase and crash in Tumwater."