By Lynnette Hoffman
Tuesday, October 26, 2021 12:46 pm

Timberland Bank in Toledo was robbed on Friday night, October 15 just prior to the 6:00 p.m. close of business. Timberland Bank called dispatch and advised of an armed robbery at their location. The Toledo Police Department, Lewis County Sheriff's Office and the Winlock Police Department responded to the area of the bank.

While responding, units were advised the person had left and was being informed of a description. Arriving Law Enforcement began setting up a perimeter and requested a K9 unit which Chehalis K9 responded. Law enforcement confirmed that the bank staff and customers in the bank were uninjured and began an investigation. Upon the arrival of the Chehalis K9 officer Ayers and K9 Tiesto, they conducted a track that led behind the bank to the south and traveled west to a gravel parking lot about a block away. At the end of the track fresh tire tracks showed a vehicle left rapidly. While investigating a citizen who had been in the bank at the time and walked out around the same time as the male who robbed the bank noticed the male (suspect) was acting unusual and began watching him. The male went south behind the bank building and then west towards the gravel parking lot. At some point the witness stated the male took off his black jacket and began running towards a white truck in the gravel lot. The same lot the Chehalis K9 tracted the suspect's trail to.

The witness was now in their own vehicle traveling in the same area. The white truck had left at a rapid rate. When the truck stopped at a stop sign, the witness was able to take a photo of the rear portion of the vehicle. The truck was distinctive with damage and decals which were clear in the photo. The license plate was fuzzy but law enforcement units working together were able to get the vehicle's owner and address. Sgt. Pennington of the Toledo Police Department remained at the scene collecting statements and evidence. Sgt. Godbey LCSO and the chief drove to the Winlock address to see if the vehicle was present. Upon pulling into the driveway the white Ford F250 was located backed up to a trailer.

Additional units were called to the scene before attempting contact at the house. A male came out who was interviewed and was found to be the suspect's father.

A female was also there who was identified as the suspect's girlfriend. Both stated they did not know where he was, he had returned a short time ago and left again on a motorcycle. The father allowed a check around the area by the truck and a barn however the suspect was not located. The father was advised to contact law enforcement if he heard from his son or have him turn himself in. The white F250 was impounded at that time and placed into evidence.

Sgt. Pennington had been in contact with the neighbor who initially wanted to be totally anonymous but has since contacted the media. The neighbor was asked to watch the property while the suspect's father and mother had left for a planned trip. The neighbor had provided Sgt. Pennington information that it appeared the suspect had returned to the father's house due to dishes in the sink that had not been there prior. Sgt. Pennington drove to the house at some point and did not find a possibility the suspect was there at the time, however according to the neighbor he had been there.

On Tuesday the neighbor again had been in contact with Sgt. Pennington to advise him that the suspect and his girlfriend were at the house right then. The Chief responded to the area and requested additional resources. Before units attempted to contact the suspect at the house, a neighbor walking back to his house was contacted by a Winlock officer who was staging for additional units. At that time the suspect left the driveway in a dark toyota truck towards Winlock-Vader road where the chief had staged additional units.

The chief began following the truck which was picking up speed long before emergency lights and sirens were activated. Winlock officer advised he spoke with the neighbor and confirmed the suspect was in the truck. At that point, the chief activated emergency lights and siren and attempted to stop the suspect however the suspect increased speed and attempted to evade arrest. Units from Lewis County Sheriff's Office, Napavine Police Department, Winlock Police Department and LCSO's motor unit assisted. As the suspect continued to travel at a high rate and refusing to stop eventually led him to South Military Rd. and Highway 505, where Deputy Riordon took the lead and attempted several times to use a PIT maneuver to end the chase. The suspect drove erratically to avoid the pit. After turning on Camus Road, the PIT was attempted again and the suspect would slam on the truck's brakes until finally Deputy Riordan and the chief were able to stop the suspect. David Deming was taken into custody without incident.

Per Toledo Chief of Police Sam Patrick "This was clearly everyone working together. From the Bank teller being calm, keeping the suspect from harming anyone to the assistance from the various agencies. Also,the citizen who noticed something wrong watched and documented the suspect leaving the bank and photographed the vehicle used. The neighbor who provided Sgt. Pennington information about the suspect." It was all a collaboration to keep Lewis County safe.

Mayor Steve Dobosh stated, "My suggestion and with the city council's approval, we got the right man! I couldn't be happier with the job he performed to catch the suspect. Sometimes luck has something to do with things, maybe with a little luck and a lot of experience Chief Patrick was able to do his job with success.

They had the suspects truck in custody within 2 hours. Once the high speed chase occurred, they were able to apprehend the suspect. Officer Pennington (aka bloodhound Pennington per Mayor Dobosh) found the suspect's jacket which included DNA from the gloves. Some people don't take their job seriously, but the Chief does and it shows. Thank you to the Lewis County Sheriff's Office, Chehalis Police Department, Napavine Police Department and Winlock Police Department."

Sheriff Snaza who's deputies were involved stated, "This was a great team effort in apprehending this individual. We were able to apprehend this young man in 4 days without any incident. I am very pleased with all involved. Chief Patrick did an incredible job on this as did other departments that worked on this case."

Napavine Chief of Police and former Chief of Police for Toledo John Brockmueller stated, "Because of the fantastic partnerships between Toledo Pd, it's citizens and other outside agencies, the bank robbery suspect is in custody. Hats off to Chief Patrick and Sgt. Pennington for working hard like you always do to get justice for your citizens. Great job!"

Thanks go to Chief Patrick for giving such a detailed press release. The citizens have all the pertinent information because he cares about his community and wants everyone to know it's safe.