By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – A suspect during a foot chase who turned and pointed a pistol at the officer behind him in Centralia yesterday is booked into the Lewis County Jail for first-degree assault.
The officer was close enough to reach out and push the gun away and grab the man’s hand then a struggle ensued for control of the weapon, according to the Centralia Police Department.
Centralia police Sgt. Tracy Murphy said it took three officers wresting with the subject almost four minutes before they were able to cuff him. It happened behind the Rite Aid store at Harrison Avenue and Johnson Road.
Once police recovered the gun to clear it, they realized it was a BB gun, Murphy said.
It looked like a Smith and Wesson semi-automatic, he said.
Mark E. Grover, 35, of Sequim, had several outstanding warrants and also was found to be in possession of methamphetamine, according to police.
It’s only by the grace of God Grover wasn’t shot for his actions, according to Murphy.
Had Sgt. Brian Warren been two steps farther behind the guy when the gun appeared, that would have changed everything, he said.
“A split second decision,” Murphy said. “Do I try to beat the guy to the draw or get the gun out of my face.”
The reason for the encounter was a 911 call just before 9:30 a.m. about a suspected car prowler in the parking lot of Safeway; police were told a person was trying car doors, according to Murphy. Witnesses advised 911 of where the suspect headed and Sgt. Warren was the first to arrive, tried to cut him off and then gave chase on foot, he said.
Numerous officers arrived quickly, according to Murphy.
The suspect was taken by ambulance to be checked out, because of the potential effects of the combination of being under the influence of drugs and a prolonged fight, Murphy said. Then he was booked into the jail.
Grover is very fortunate the situation worked out the way it did, Murphy said.
“In the end, we’re very grateful it happened that way,” he said. “He (Warren) is glad it went that way.”
Grover is tentatively scheduled to go before a judge this afternoon in Lewis County Superior Court.