Bail set for Port Angeles man who climbed tree to escape law enforcement

PORT ANGELES — Bail was set Thursday at $35,000 for Damon L. Foust, a 36-year-old Port Angeles man who was found hiding in a tree by a police dog after a Wednesday morning chase.

Foust appeared in Judge George Wood’s courtroom for the bail hearing.

He is scheduled to return to court Friday, Oct. 21, for a review hearing.

Foust is charged with attempting to elude a police vehicle, obstructing a law enforcement officer, possession of a controlled substance and possession of marijuana.

The chase, which began after a Port Angeles police officer tried to pull over Foust for investigation of speeding in a school zone near Jefferson Elementary School, led police into Olympic National Park and resulted in a search that involved several law enforcement agencies.

When the truck hit boulders at a dead end on old Mount Angeles Road, Foust and his passenger, Katherine L. Roberts, 30, also of Port Angeles, abandoned the truck and ran into the forest, police said.

Foust was tracked to a tree by Port Angeles police dog Jag, and Roberts was found a half-hour later, police said.

Drugs found

When the vehicle was searched, officers found baggies with white powder and green leafy materials, which field kit tests indicated were methamphetamine and marijuana, Officer Sky Sexton said in a sworn statement.

The baggies were found in a backpack that also contained a card addressed to Foust and a picture of him, Sexton said.

Foust was taken into custody on a felony bench warrant, two pay-or-appear warrants and for investigation of eluding a police vehicle, obstructing a law enforcement officer, possess­ion of a controlled substance and possession of 40 grams or less of marijuana.

Roberts’ bail was set at $750.

She had an outstanding pay-or-appear warrant and was booked into Clallam County jail for investigation of eluding a police vehicle and obstructing a law enforcement officer.

________

Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.

More in News

Fire protection may impact insurance rates

New protection class considers nuanced data

The view looking south from Hurricane Ridge, where variable winter weather has limited snow coverage and contributed to pauses in snow sports operations in recent weeks. (Washington’s National Park Fund)
Lack of snow has impact at Hurricane Ridge

Water equivalent well below average for February

Port Angeles secures grant to aid in salmon recovery

State Department of Commerce to provide city with $109,000

Tickets still available for United Way of Clallam County fundraiser

Pajamas are encouraged, teddy bears are optional and comfort… Continue reading

Interviews set for hospital board

At least seven candidates up for commissioner seat

Port Angeles asks for fee to cover lodging tax contracts

Resolution sent to committee for administrative costs

Climate action group is guiding reduction goals

Reduced emmissions require reduced transportation footprint

County, Port Angeles to rebid public safety building

Three bids rejected due to issue with electrical contractor

Aliya Gillet, the 2025 Clallam County Fair queen, crowns Keira Headrick as the 2026 queen during a ceremony on Saturday at the Clallam County Fairgrounds. At left is princess Julianna Getzin and at right is princess Jasmine Green. The other princesses, not pictured, are Makenzie Taylor, Molly Beeman and Tish Hamilton. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Clallam County royalty crowned for annual fair

Silent auction raises funds for scholarships

Port Angeles Community Award recipients gather after Saturday night’s annual awards gala. From left, they are Frances Charles, Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe, Organization of the Year; Kyla Magner, Country Aire, Business of the Year; Amy Burghart and Doug Burghart, Mighty Pine Brewing, Emerging Business of the Year; Rick Ross, Educator of the Year; Kayla Fairchild, Young Leader of the Year; John Fox, Citizen of the Year. (Paula Hunt/Peninsula Daily News)
Community leaders honored at annual awards banquet

Fox named Citizen of Year for support of athletic events

Clallam County commissioners consider options for Owens

Supporters advocate for late state justice

Respiratory viruses are rising on the Peninsula

Health officer attributes increase to mutation of type of flu in circulation