Pursuit Ends in SWAT Operation in Wenatchee

The Chelan County Regional SWAT team had to be deployed to the 1400 block of Central Avenue around 12:15 pm Friday afternoon when a suspect fled into an apartment and refused to come out.

The incident began as a pursuit between the suspect, a 21-year-old man from Cashmere, and the Washington State Patrol north of Wenatchee about 9:50 am. The suspect eventually worked his way into the city and ran into an acquaintance's apartment on Central Avenue.

The suspect refused to leave the apartment, although the acquaintance soon left.

Chelan County Chief Jason Reinfeld said, "The building he was in had four first floor apartments and he was in one of the floor upper apartments. That building was cleared out prior to the SWAT operation for the safety of all the residents."

SWAT was called in just past noon after concerns were raised about firearms in the residence.

"At about 2:15 pm or so, (SWAT) breached the door to the apartment, and after a short conversation with the suspect he came out peacefully. He's now in custody," added Reinfeld.

The State Patrol is working on charges, which will include felony eluding and charges related to the SWAT incident.