Missing 14-year-old girl found safe; suspect arrested after high-speed chase in Mason County

SHELTON, Wash. -- Deputies found a missing 14-year-old girl and arrested a man after a pursuit at speeds of up to 100 mph in Mason County.

A deputy tried to stop a silver Dodge Durango on Aug. 18 around 3:30 p.m. after noticing the driver was not wearing a seatbelt. Deputies said the car was reportedly involved in the case of a missing endangered 14-year-old Kitsap County girl.

The suspect, a 31-year-old Belfair man, began driving in and out of driveways, yards and parking lots along Lynch Road. Deputies said they ended the pursuit when the driver started swerving into oncoming traffic.

The deputy continued to search the area until being waved down by a witness. The suspect had crashed into a tree near Allen Road.

Detectives and deputies responded and found the suspect being held at gunpoint by a homeowner on Lynch Lane.

“We are grateful to our many responsible, quick-thinking citizens for helping us to apprehend this individual who chose to endanger so many lives," said Sheriff Casey Salisbury.

A deputy had located the girl prior to the pursuit, and she was reunited with her mother.

The suspect was booked into the Mason County Jail.