Man Who Threatened "Vegas-Style" Attack Arrested: Police

LAKEWOOD, WA - A retired military man threatened a "Las Vegas-style" attack and led officers on a high-speed chase Wednesday afternoon before crashing into another vehicle and being arrested on multiple charges. According to the Cowlitz County Sheriff's Office, Christopher James Bleavins, 35, of Lakewood, was charged with first-degree assault, eluding police, two counts of hit and run, and reckless endangerment. Police said Bleavins was not armed and it is not yet known if he had access to firearms.

The incident started at JBLM, when Bleavins was approached by a military police officer. Bleavins allegedly fled the base in his Mazda, nearly striking the officer.

Bleavins then drove at over 100 mph on southbound I-5, with police in pursuit. JBLM police initially started the chase then Cowlitz County deputies took over. Bleavins allegedly attempted to swerve into a deputy's vehicle, but the deputy slammed the brakes and avoided the collision.

Bleavins continued to drive recklessly and at one point swerved across three lanes to attempt to collide with a horse trailer, police said. However, this driver to also avoided crashing into Bleavins' car.

The chase ended when Bleavins hit a car driven by Caitlyn Roetgger's car. Bleavins exited his car and was arrested by deputies.

Somehow, no one was seriously injured in the incident.

Police said Bleavins' mental health and criminal history are not yet known. (For more local news, click here to sign up for real-time news alerts and newsletters from Lakewood-JBLM Patch, click here to find your local Washington Patch. Also, follow us on Facebook, and if you have an iPhone, click here to get the free Patch iPhone app.)

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