PUYALLUP — Two young adults are facing criminal charges after a late-night excursion into the Washington State Fair Event Center ended with an aerial pursuit by local law enforcement.
The incident occurred on the night of October 18, when an 18-year-old man and a 19-year-old woman allegedly bypassed security at the fairgrounds. According to Capt. Jeremy Hedrick, spokesperson for the Puyallup Police Department (PPD), the pair gained entry by jumping a fence at the facility’s “Red Gate” at approximately 11:05 p.m.
While the pair may have believed their nocturnal entry would go unnoticed, they were quickly tracked by the department’s technological assets. PPD officers deployed a police drone, which proved highly effective in pinpointing the suspects’ location as they navigated the expansive fairgrounds. The drone tracked the duo to the vicinity of the 1900 Rooftop Bar, a popular venue within the fairgrounds complex.
Upon spotting the responding officers, the pair attempted to evade capture by fleeing on foot. However, the pursuit was short-lived. Officers quickly closed the distance, apprehended both individuals, and took them into custody. During the initial investigation following the arrest, officers determined that both suspects were under the influence of alcohol.
The PPD later shared details of the arrest in a social media post, offering a blunt assessment of the suspects’ failed escape attempt. “Turns out, jumping the fence was the easy part,” the department wrote. “Getting away from the drone? Not so much.”
Both individuals were subsequently booked into the Puyallup Jail. They face several charges, including first-degree criminal trespassing, obstructing a law enforcement officer, and minor in possession and/or consumption of alcohol.
Capt. Hedrick confirmed that the pair has since appeared before a judge regarding the charges and are no longer being held in custody. The incident serves as a reminder that the fairgrounds remain monitored even during off-hours, particularly as the department continues to utilize drone technology to enhance their surveillance and patrol capabilities.
The Puyallup Police Department did not release the names of the individuals involved, but the incident highlights the department’s ongoing commitment to securing the event center, which draws thousands of visitors to the region annually. As the case proceeds through the judicial system, the suspects await further court dates to answer for their unauthorized late-night visit to the fairgrounds.
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