Pacific County Man Charged with Attempting to Elude Police Following High-Speed Chase

SOUTH BEND — A Pacific County man is facing criminal charges after allegedly fleeing from a deputy during a traffic stop and leading authorities on a high-speed chase through the Willapa and Menlo areas.

Tegan A. Tipler, 25, has been formally charged in Pacific County Superior Court with attempting to elude a police vehicle. Court records show the charge stems from a Sept. 16, 2026 incident.

According to a probable cause declaration filed in court, a local patrol deputy was dispatched to a suspicious incident on Ward Creek Road near Willapa at approximately 2:10 p.m. on September 16. The deputy observed a gold and beige 2000 Lincoln Continental occupied by two individuals that was missing a front license plate.

When the deputy attempted to initiate a traffic stop near Willapa 4th Street and Woodard Street, the driver—identified by law enforcement as Tipler—initially stopped his vehicle, rolled down his window, and stated he was just going to his grandmother's house. As the deputy stepped out of the patrol vehicle and activated a body-worn camera, Tipler allegedly accelerated quickly and fled.

Authorities report that Tipler reached speeds in excess of 70 mph in posted 25 mph and 35 mph zones. During the approximately 4.2-mile pursuit, Tipler allegedly ran multiple stop signs on blind corners and drove past Willapa Elementary School, where staff—though no students—were present.

The pursuit was terminated near Mill Creek Road and Lily Wheaton Road in Menlo after a supervising officer instructed units to discontinue following. Law enforcement later discovered that Tipler had multiple active warrants, including a felony Department of Corrections (DOC) warrant.

The declaration of probable cause was filed in Pacific County Superior Court on Oct. 5, 2026.

The Court issued a $100,000 warrant for his arrest.