Latest news with #SheriffSanders
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Yahoo
Man accused of shooting AR-15 at WA deputy faces life in prison
The Brief The man accused of shooting an AR-15 at a Thurston County deputy faces life behind bars. Damien Madison fled the state after opening fire on a deputy during a high-speed chase, according to investigators. More than a month after the crime, Madison finally appeared in a Thurston County courtroom packed with deputies, with his trial now scheduled for August. OLYMPIA, WA - The man accused of firing an AR-15-style rifle at a sheriff's deputy during a high-speed chase in Thurston County and fleeing the state appeared in court Wednesday. Damien Madison, 27, faces multiple charges in connection to this crimespree including first-degree assault, drive-by shooting, unlawful possession of a gun. Madison also has several active cases in Thurston County. During the hearing, the prosecution addressed the judge regarding Madison's charges. "He was willing to sacrifice his own safety, the safety of the men and women in this community that give their lives every single day, and that he fired upon them in such a wanton and disregard for the safety of everyone in this community is abhorrent to the state," a prosecutor said in court. "Mr. Madison is someone who poses an extreme danger to himself, to the loved one that was with him, to everyone that operates a motor vehicle in this community," she added. What they're saying About 50 deputies from the Thurston County Sheriff's Office filled the courtroom in a show of support. Sheriff Derek Sanders said the large turnout was about standing with one of their own. "If you think that no one got hurt, you don't get shot at and just come back normal. I don't care who you are. Whether you're in law enforcement, or military, member of the community, anytime you got rounds flying your way, you don't come out the same on the other side. I would just say it's important for our deputies to see the kind of community support," Sanders said. During the hearing, Madison wiped his eyes several times and buried his head in his hands after the judge noted he could face life in prison if convicted. "I hope there is some remorse, and regardless of how this case resolves, even for the worst of the worst offenders, I hope they can find a way to somehow become better people and amend what they have done," Sanders added. Madison is currently being held without bail. His next court appearance is scheduled, and trial proceedings are expected to begin later this summer. The Source Information in this story came from the Thurston County Sheriff's Office and FOX 13 Seattle reporting. Anti-ICE protesters clash with police at Seattle Federal Building Home of Seattle rapper Macklemore invaded, nanny maced: police 2 dead after 'tragic' bus accident at Seattle retirement home WA deputies arrest teens for pistol-whipping boy, armed robberies Cyberattack hits supplier to Whole Foods and PCC; could impact store supplies To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
Thurston County jail inmate facing new charges after making weapon, defensive shield
A 38-year-old man, currently being held in the Thurston County Jail, is facing new charges after he turned a plastic spoon into a weapon and used a blanket and mattress as a shield, said Sheriff Derek Sanders online. Photos show that the handle-end of the spoon was sharpened into a knife point — Sanders referred to it as a 'shank' — while the man also 'tore their blanket and mattress up and created a shield, then proceeded to yell 'let's go' numerous times at Corrections Deputies,' Sanders said in his Friday post. 'Deputies formed a cell-entry team and gave pepper-spray warnings, at which point the inmate surrendered,' he said in his social media post. 'The items have been confiscated.' Jail information shows the man was originally arrested on suspicion of the following crimes in October 2024: first-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault while armed with a deadly weapon, first-degree assault/domestic violence, and resisting arrest. The new charges he is facing: possession and displaying a weapon, according to jail information.
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
Deputies: Engine ejected from car after high-speed crash ends in flames
Deputies reportedly pulled a driver from the fiery wreck of his car following a high-speed crash on Friday evening. According to Sheriff Sanders with the Thurston County Sheriff's Office (TCSO), TCSO deputies, Tumwater Police Department officers, and East Olympic Fire firefighters responded to a single-vehicle high-speed collision on 93rd Avenue. Sheriff Sanders stated that 911 callers reported the vehicle was on fire, fully engulfed, and exploding. A TCSO unit first on the scene grabbed the driver, who deputies say had a suspended license, and is now in custody for DUI. Sheriff Sanders added that the collision had enough force to eject the engine from the car, which can be seen lying in the middle of the road.
Yahoo
10-05-2025
- Yahoo
Sheriff warns of gunman loose in Thurston County, WA
The Brief Thurston County Sheriff's Deputies are searching for 27-year-old Damien Madison, accused of shooting at a deputy with an AR-15 during a high-speed chase, and possibly hiding on local properties. Madison, a prolific burglar with a long criminal record, escaped and left his 20-year-old fiancé behind, who faces charges related to the incident; her bail is set at $50,000. Authorities warn Madison may still be armed and urge the public to call 911 if he is spotted. OLYMPIA, Wash. - Thurston County Sheriff's Deputies are warning the community that a dangerous man is on the loose and could be hiding out on their property. Investigators are looking for 27-year-old Damien Madison, who is accused of shooting an AR-15 at a Thurston County deputy during a high-speed chase Thursday night. "There's a decent chance he's already stolen a car and left the area. He's also a prolific burglar, so there's a decent chance that he is in someone's shed, barn, house, maybe not occupied," said Thurston County Sheriff Derek Sanders. "Again, that's one of our biggest concerns right now." The other side Investigators said Madison bailed on the car and escaped, leaving his 20-year-old fiancée behind. She appeared in front of a judge on Friday. She faces charges of attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle and rendering criminal assistance in the first degree. Court officials said the suspect has no criminal record. The judge set her bail at $50,000. FOX 13 Seattle is not naming the 20-year-old suspect or showing her face because she has not officially been charged. According to her Facebook, Thursday was Madison's birthday. In a post, the 20-year-old accused getaway driver wrote: "Happy 27th birthday babe! (your getting old). I hope you have an amazing day, I am glad I get to make these amazing memories with you n more to come." What they're saying The sheriff of Thurston County told FOX 13 Seattle that Madison should already be in jail. "I actually specifically stated that if the judges don't start taking this seriously, that someone is going to get hurt or killed, and here we are, shooting at the police. So, maybe they'll take it more seriously this time, but I'm not confident," said Sanders. Madison has a long criminal rap sheet, including convictions for stealing guns, cars, and for assault. He has three open cases in Thurston County. Investigators recovered the AR-15, but also reported that Madison had a shotgun on him. Deputies believe he still might have a gun. If you see him, call 911. The Source Information in this story comes from original reporting by FOX 13 Seattle reporter AJ Janavel, with information from the Thurston County Sheriff's Office. New area code coming to Seattle area in June. What to know WA's first In-N-Out gets closer to opening date VIDEO: Dramatic arrest of WA mother carrying toddler, stolen gun Pro-Palestinian protesters cause $1M in damage at UW, 34 arrested Health experts say 'harmless' symptoms could be signs of blood disease 2 WA brothers arrested after high-speed pursuit on I-90 Video shows shackled inmate escape custody at Sea-Tac, board light rail To get the best local news, weather and sports in Seattle for free, sign up for the daily FOX Seattle Newsletter. Download the free FOX LOCAL app for mobile in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store for live Seattle news, top stories, weather updates and more local and national news.
