Convicted sex offender caught who's accused of trying to run over Federal Way officer with stolen car

FUGITIVE CAPTURED December 30, 2014 -- Justin Pendleton was booked into the Regional Justice Center in Kent on Monday. He was wanted on multiple felony warrants for theft, identity theft, and drugs. Detectives believe the convicted sex offender was behind the wheel of a stolen Mercedes SUV earlier this month that he drove directly at a Federal Way officer who was attempting to lay a spike strip on Pacific Hwy S to stop him. The officer was able to move out of the way before being run over. The officer fired several rounds at the vehicle before it drove away. A few days later, Auburn Police found the stolen SUV. FUGITIVE UPDATE December 16, 2014 -- Kent police have recovered the stolen SUV but Justin Pendleton in still on the run. He is known to frequent casinos specifically the Tulalip and Emerald Queen. Detectives think he could be hiding in the Federal Way area or south Seattle. FUGITIVE WANTED IN KENT December 15, 2014 -- Kent police have probable cause to arrest convicted sex offender, Justin Pendleton, for Auto theft, ID theft, and Title Fraud. Pendleton has multiple felony warrants for theft, identity theft, and drugs. Pendleton is a person of interest in an assault on a Federal Way Police Officer on Saturday. Detectives believe Pendleton was behind the wheel of a stolen SUV that he drove directly at a Federal Way officer who was attempting to lay a spike strip on Pacific Hwy S. Detectives say the officer was able to move out of the way prior to impact. The officer responded by firing several rounds at the vehicle before it drove away. “This is another reminder of how dangerous an officer’s job can be” said Detective Melanie Frazier. "Pendleton will do anything to get away, and in the past has led officers on a pursuit going the wrong direction on the I5 freeway. We think he dumped this vehicle somewhere in the Federal Way area. We need the vehicle as much as we need him."

Similar 2002 Mercedes SUV

The photo above is a 2002 silver Mercedes SUV like the one stolen that had Washington license plate, 559-ZCW. Pendleton is a level two sex offender who has failed to register in the past after being convicted of attempted rape where he drugged a woman he had just met, by putting something in her drink and sexually assaulted her while she was unconscious. He also has two felony convictions for Eluding and Possession of a stolen vehicle, four gross misdemeanors, and eight misdemeanors.

Sex Offender Registry photo

If you know where he is, or spot that stolen Mercedes SUV, call an anonymous tip into: CRIME STOPPERS: 1-800-222-TIPS You must call the Crime Stoppers hotline with your tip to be eligible to receive a cash reward for information leading to a fugitive’s arrest. CLICK HERE for information on how to TEXT A TIP to Crime Stoppers