In January 2024, deputies contacted Shad Collins in a vehicle near Ellensburg and learned he had arrest warrants from East Wenatchee PD. When they arrested him on his warrants, they found hundreds of fentanyl-laced pills and evidence of intent to sell them. Collins also possessed a smaller amount of methamphetamine. While in jail (in recorded conversations), he pressured his girlfriend to lie and claim the drugs were hers.

Last month, Collins failed to appear at a hearing where he was scheduled to plead guilty, and the Superior Court issued an arrest warrant. Collins has extensive criminal history and faces a particularly stiff sentence because the spot where he was arrested with all those drugs and paraphernalia is a school bus stop.

Collins is 5'8", around 160 lbs, and last known to live in Wenatchee. When arrested, Collins was driving a white 2004 Lexus GX SUV.

A warrant remains an allegation; Collins needs to face the court to determine his guilt or innocence. If you see Collins do not try to engage or arrest him: call 911. If you have information that might help lead to Collins' arrest, please call Kittcom at 509-925-8534 or email sheriff.office@co.kittitas.wa.us

To answer the question, "Why was he ever let out of jail?": Defendants are released while awaiting trial under a variety of circumstances, all of them determined by the courts. When they don't show up for trial or related hearings, we end up here.