EVERETT, Wash. – The man who set off a massive manhunt that shut down Interstate 5 near Everett Wednesday night has a criminal record.
Theodore Ohms, 23, been booked into the Snohomish County Jail on weapon and assault charges, as well as eluding police and violating his parole.
On Thursday, Ohms refused to leave his cell to appear before a judge. The judge is expected to issue a 'drag order', which would force Ohms to leave his cell and appear in court Friday, where bond is expected to be set.
Wednesday night, deputies spotted what they believed to be a stolen car in Snohomish County and began pursuing it. At some point, the suspect allegedly fired shots at deputies, striking one patrol vehicle.
During the pursuit, a van that was not part of the chase rolled over on I-5 and crashed. The woman driving suffered serious injuries.
The suspect crashed into a guardrail and fled on foot with gun in hand. Police shut down both directions of the freeway during their search for the suspect. He was caught about two hours later after a K-9 took him down.
According to court records, Ohms was arrested for felony possession of methamphetamine in January 2009. He pleaded guilty and served a short time in jail before being placed on community supervision.
A year later, Lynnwood Police attempted to pull Ohms over because the vehicle he was driving didn't have its lights on. Ohms led officers on a chase and was able to get away. Court records say police spotted Ohms several days later at a Lynnwood 7-Eleven. He again tried to get away, but was captured and arrested for eluding police.
Recently, the Department of Corrections issued an arrest warrant for Ohms for failing to check in with his parole officer.
Ohms' mother blames his drug abuse for his actions, but says that's no excuse.
"I know he did bad things. He deserves to be punished," says Celita Ohms. "Drugs are controlling him. He should pay for what he's done."
Celita also says she is worried about her son's health.
Snohomish County Sheriff's detectives still want to hear from people who witnessed the pursuit. You're asked to call the sheriff's office tip line at (425) 388-3845 and leave your contact information.
