Statewide manhunt leads to Pacific County

Published 3:23 pm Friday, April 19, 2024

LONG BEACH — Residents all over Pacific County reported April 19 that unmarked police cars were traveling at high speeds with lights and sirens. Details around the covert operation were kept under tight wraps while units searched for a wanted man.

The Observer was briefed about the incident and was asked to hold off on releasing any details about the operation until the suspect was caught, which is why no information was provided at the time.

The operation was carried out after the U.S. Marshals Service tracked a wanted fugitive to the Long Beach Peninsula. Units from all over the state responded to assist in looking for the man wanted out of several jurisdictions.

According to Pacific County Sheriff’s Office Commander Michael Parker, the suspect has been identified as Kevin B. Thissle, and he is wanted on state and federal charges that include first-degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm.

“There are several different investigations going on with this guy,” Parker said. “There is King County, Snohomish County, and the feds have at least one other case on him. They got information he was staying at the Adrift Hotel in Long Beach.”

“Agents came from outside the area and contacted the sheriff’s office. They requested help from the Pacific County Drug Task Force, which we provided. Pacific County Drug Task Force was on scene prior to and assisted with the arrest of the individual — he was taken into custody without incident,” Parker added.

This is the second time in the past six months that U.S. Marshals have tracked a wanted suspect to Pacific County. Marshals captured Lawrence L. Hickman on Dec. 13 in Tokeland. He was wanted out of Arkansas for criminal acts that involved explosives.

Hickman was captured by Marshals, detectives with the Pacific County Joint Drug Task Force, and the Shoalwater Bay Police Department within two hours of the manhunt being launched. He was extradited to Arkansas.

“We would like to thank the U.S. Marshals for their professionalism in helping get a dangerous criminal off of our streets with no impact to the community,” Parker said. “Just grateful again for their professionalism and that we could offer assistance.”