High-speed chase ends in crash, arrest south of Wenatchee

MALAGA — A late-afternoon traffic stop south of Wenatchee escalated into a brief pursuit and foot chase March 31, ending with a Yakima man in custody after his vehicle left the roadway near a rural intersection.

A Chelan County deputy was monitoring traffic near milepost 1 on Malaga Alcoa Highway at about 4 p.m. when a vehicle was observed traveling above the posted speed limit. After confirming the speed by radar, the deputy activated emergency lights to initiate a stop.

The driver did not pull over.

Instead, the vehicle continued south at a high rate of speed, passing other traffic. According to the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office, the driver’s behavior appeared erratic, raising concerns that impairment may have been a factor as the deputy continued the pursuit.

The incident came to a stop near the intersection of West Malaga Road and Benjamin Lane, where the driver attempted to turn, lost control, and slid off the roadway into a ditch.

The driver exited the vehicle and fled on foot. After a short pursuit, deputies issued a warning that a Taser could be used before taking the suspect into custody without further incident.

Authorities identified the driver as 23-year-old Fernando Justis of Yakima.

The sheriff’s office reported that Justis had multiple active felony warrants at the time of the arrest, along with a criminal history that includes convictions for first-degree theft, possession of a stolen vehicle, attempting to elude a police officer, motor vehicle theft and first-degree robbery.

He was booked into the Chelan County Regional Justice Center on his outstanding warrants and new charges of attempting to elude a police vehicle and resisting arrest. Jail records also indicate he was placed on a Department of Corrections hold.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media