PORT ANGELES — A Port Angeles man who led deputies on a pursuit in April that led to one of Clallam County’s largest methamphetamine and heroin busts in recent history pleaded guilty to weapons, drug and assault charges Monday.
Gerald Neil Walkup, 27, walked into Clallam County Superior Court in shackles, smiling, before pleading guilty to single counts of third-degree assault, possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver, possession of a controlled substance and four counts of unlawful possession of a firearm.
Prosecutors are recommending Walkup serve nearly 12 years in prison as part of a plea agreement, though he could be sentenced to up to 20 years.
Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 22 at 9 a.m.
Walkup was originally charged with single counts of possession with intent to manufacture or deliver heroin and methamphetamine, possession of a stolen firearm, unlawful possession of a dangerous weapon and four counts of first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. He was also originally facing second-degree intentional assault/reckless infliction of substantial bodily harm.
After a high-speed chase April 2, Walkup crashed a vehicle in Gales Addition, court records say. The wreck led to the discovery of 950 grams of heroin, more than 400 grams of methamphetamine, four guns, about 20 cellphones, dozens of car keys, 100 ounces of silver and about $9,000 in cash, according to the affidavit for probable cause.
Court records show that Walkup initially denied driving the vehicle that was found, but conceded he was the driver and the drugs found in the car were his, according to court records.
The assault charge stemmed from Walkup’s role in an assault in the Clallam County jail July 12.
Video surveillance at the jail shows Walkup and Nicholas Tyler Roberts, then 21, beating another inmate, punching and kicking him, and fracturing his ribs, according to court records.
Walkup posted $210,000 bond in May but returned to jail in July accused of driving on a suspended license.
Walkup was previously convicted of delivery of a controlled substance and bail jumping as an adult in 2010. As a juvenile he was convicted of vehicular assault and a hit and run accident resulting in an injury.
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsuladailynews.com.