PORT ANGELES — A Lake Sutherland man has been arrested for investigation of leading police on a high-speed pursuit near Forks, Clallam County Superior Court records show.
Steven Alan Shane Dennis, 25, allegedly drove a 2016 Honda Civic at speeds in excess of 100 mph on U.S. Highway 101 after being pulled over by Forks Police Officer Brent Kempster last Thursday, court papers said.
After losing sight of the vehicle, Kempster found Dennis at a Forks residence early Friday and tackled the suspect after a foot pursuit in a grassy field, according to the affidavit for probable cause.
Dennis was arrested for investigation of eluding a police vehicle, first-degree driving with a suspended license, obstructing a law enforcement officer, reckless driving and third-degree assault.
The Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office will consider filing formal charges at Dennis’ next court appearance at 1 p.m. today.
Dennis, who had a suspended driver’s license and warrants for his arrest, was spotted driving north on Forks Avenue in a car belonging to a Forks woman at about 4:49 p.m. Thursday, Kempster wrote in the arrest narrative.
The owner of the car that Dennis was driving was operating another Honda just ahead of Dennis and pulled over alongside Dennis when Kempster initiated the traffic stop.
After Kempster told Dennis that he was under arrest, Dennis pulled away and accelerated with one passenger in the Civic, Kempster said.
“I pursued Dennis and noticed that he was passing other vehicles on corners,” Kempster wrote in the probable-cause affidavit.
“I notified PENCOM [Peninsula Communications] that I was in a vehicle pursuit but was unable to maintain radio contact because my car radio was unable to receive a clear signal.”
Kempster used a cellphone to maintain contact with dispatchers as he pursued Dennis at speeds of 90 to 100 mph, he said.
“Eventually I lost sight of Dennis due to his very high speed and my concern for public safety,” Kempster wrote.
Two hours later, the passenger in the Honda that Dennis was driving was stopped driving the same car at the 76 Station in Forks, police said.
The man told police that Dennis reached speeds of more than 125 mph during the pursuit, turned onto a dirt road and ran into the woods, Kempster said.
Kempster found Dennis at a Calawah Way residence at 8:42 a.m. Friday, court papers said.
When told that he was under arrest, Dennis pushed the lawman and ran out the door.
“I engaged in a foot pursuit with Dennis and eventually tackled Dennis in a grassy field,” Kempster wrote in the arrest narrative.
“Dennis continued to resist and attempted to gain a position of advantage on top of me. I told Dennis to stop resisting and he continued to resist.”
A La Push wildlife officer arrived and helped Kempster place Dennis in handcuffs.
Dennis was booked into the Forks jail and transported Sunday to the Clallam County jail in Port Angeles.
He was being held Tuesday on $15,700 bail.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56450, or at rollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
