Auto theft suspect nabbed following high speed chase

GEORGE – A high-speed pursuit of a stolen vehicle the afternoon of July 17 ended with the arrest of two Quincy men.

Gustavo Tapia, 18, was arrested for attempting to elude police, theft of a motor vehicle and DUI. One of the passengers, Adrian Diaz, 18, was arrested for a felony warrant.

Grant County deputies answered a call for a vehicle stolen from the George area at about 2 p.m., Sheriff Tom Jones said. The vehicle’s owner said he picked up Tapia after Tapia called asking for a ride.

Tapia and the vehicle owner then picked up three other persons and drove to a location near George. When they got there, the vehicle’s owner stepped out of the vehicle and Tapia jumped in the driver's seat and sped away, Jones said. ?

While deputies were with the vehicle's owner writing the stolen vehicle report, the Washington State Patrol called MACC dispatch, saying a Trooper had spotted the vehicle, a 1995 GMC Jimmy, eastbound on Interstate 90 near mile post 170.

When the Trooper tried to pull the Jimmy over, the driver took off at speeds reaching 100 miles per hour. The Jimmy then slowed and got off the freeway at exit 182 (Road O SW) then stopped just south of the freeway.

Troopers, deputies and Moses Lake Police surrounded the vehicle and detained all the occupants. Two of the occupants were released. The Jimmy was returned to its owner. ?

“I really want to thank and highlight the Washington State Patrol and Moses Lake Police,” Jones said. “They kept an eye out for the stolen car, pursued it and were essential in safely taking the occupants into custody.”