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evading arrest or detention

A person commits a criminal offense (crime) if they intentionally flee from a person they know or should know is a peace officer or federal special investigator attempting to lawfully arrest or detain them. A person will be subject to higher penalties if they use a motor vehicle or watercraft while evading arrest or detention, or cause injury to another person. This criminal offense is also known as “fleeing and eluding.”

In Washington State, the act of intentionally fleeing from a person whom one knows, or reasonably should know, is a peace officer or federal special investigator during a lawful arrest or detention constitutes the criminal offense of 'fleeing and eluding.' Under RCW 46.61.024, if an individual attempts to elude a pursuing police vehicle by willfully failing to stop their vehicle or using any other means to flee, they are committing a Class C felony. The penalties for this offense are more severe if the individual uses a motor vehicle or watercraft to evade arrest, which can lead to a pursuit. Additionally, if the act of fleeing and eluding results in injury to another person, the offender may face even higher penalties, including potential charges for vehicular assault or homicide if applicable. It is important for individuals to understand that compliance with law enforcement is required by law, and failure to do so can result in significant legal consequences.

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Police

evading arrest or detention

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Washington State Code

Washington State Code

Police

evading arrest or detention

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