KITTITAS – The Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office continues to search for the subject of this weekend’s manhunt in the US 97-Blewett Pass area. The suspect fled from law enforcement on Saturday, May 23 when two stolen vehicles were discovered in the Mineral Springs area. He is considered potentially armed and dangerous.
The suspect is described as a Hispanic male in his mid-20’s to mid-30’s, about 5’8” or 5’9” tall with short, cropped black hair. He has a round or bulbous nose and scarring or pockmarks on his face. He is believed to be on foot and was last seen in flight from law enforcement wearing dark pants and no shirt.
The suspect may also be in possession of a tent that was stolen from a campsite in the area. The tent is a red MSR brand ‘Hubba Hubba’ model dome-style tent with red poles and a light grey rainfly.
One of the vehicles found in the unknown suspect’s possession is the grey Toyota FJ Cruiser that belongs to Ian Eckles, who has been missing out of Kent since May 16 or 17. The other vehicle was reported stolen from Fall City and has been positively identified as involved in burglaries in the First Creek area south of Liberty on or around April 3. Both vehicles were impounded and are being searched for evidence.
The Sheriff’s Office is still actively searching for Eckles, 41, who was heading to meet friends in the Liberty area for a turkey hunt when he disappeared. He is a white male, approximately 5’7” and 160 pounds. He has brown hair, green eyes and usually wears a beanie or cap.
Sheriff’s Office officials continue to work with other local, state and federal agencies in the search. Anyone traveling through the US 97-Blewett Pass-Mineral Springs area should expect to see increased police activity. The public is reminded to not pick up any hitchhikers in the area, and immediately report any suspicious persons or activity to Kittcom at 509-925-8534 or dial 911.
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at http://www.co.kittitas.wa.us
