Shelton, WA — A stolen vehicle alert from a Flock license plate reader led to a multi-agency response, recovery of the vehicle, and an arrest Sunday evening, according to the Mason County Sheriff’s Office.

On February 1, 2026, at approximately 5:40 p.m., the Shelton Police Department received an alert indicating a vehicle reported stolen out of King County. The vehicle had been taken the previous day during a residential burglary in the SeaTac area.

Officers located the vehicle near Olympic Highway South and Arcadia Avenue as it was leaving a gas station on Cascade Avenue. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the driver fled eastbound. The vehicle failed to negotiate a turn onto Mason Avenue and became disabled on a dirt embankment at the intersection of Mason Avenue and Cascade Avenue.

The driver then fled on foot through nearby yards, jumping fences and temporarily evading officers. Shelton Police, with assistance from Mason County deputies, established a perimeter and requested a K-9 unit.

During the search, residents reported that a male briefly entered a home stating police were chasing him before fleeing again. K-9 Kylo and his handler tracked through multiple backyards—crossing approximately four fences—and ultimately located the suspect hiding inside a boat. The suspect was taken into custody without incident.

The individual was booked into the Mason County Jail on suspicion of possession of a stolen vehicle, felony eluding, residential burglary, possession of a controlled substance with intent to distribute, and a felony Department of Corrections warrant for escape community custody.

Officials credited community members for promptly reporting suspicious activity, partnering agencies for their coordination, and K-9 Kylo for helping bring the incident to a safe conclusion.