Deputy John Carter and Deputy Sarah Nguyen Targeted in High-Speed Pursuit: Damien Madison Opens Fire with AR-15 in Thurston County, Washington, Prompting Statewide BOLO Alert
On the evening of May 8, 2025, a routine patrol in Thurston County, Washington, escalated into a life-threatening confrontation that has left law enforcement agencies across the state on high alert. Deputies John Carter and Sarah Nguyen, both seasoned members of the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, became the targets of a violent encounter when 27-year-old Damien Madison allegedly opened fire on them with an AR-15 rifle during a high-speed pursuit. The incident, which unfolded near the Chehalis Western Trail, has prompted a statewide Be On the Lookout (BOLO) alert, with authorities warning that Madison is armed, dangerous, and still at large. This comprehensive report delves into the details of the pursuit, the suspect’s background, the response from law enforcement, and the broader implications for public safety in Washington state.
The Incident: A Routine Patrol Turns Deadly
The Initial Encounter
The incident began at approximately 7:45 p.m. on May 8, 2025, when Deputies John Carter and Sarah Nguyen were conducting a routine patrol in the Grand Mound area of Thurston County. According to official reports from the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, the deputies received a call about a suspicious vehicle—a stolen black SUV—reportedly running a red light in nearby Tumwater. The vehicle matched the description of one linked to recent thefts in the area, prompting the deputies to locate and pursue it.
Deputy Carter, a 12-year veteran of the Sheriff’s Office, was the primary officer in the patrol vehicle, with Deputy Nguyen, who has served for eight years, providing backup. As they spotted the SUV on Interstate 5, they attempted to initiate a traffic stop. However, the driver, later identified as Damien Madison, refused to comply, accelerating to speeds exceeding 100 mph and initiating a high-speed chase.
The Pursuit and Escalation
The pursuit quickly escalated as Madison fled southbound on I-5, weaving through traffic and endangering other motorists. Dash camera footage, later released by the Sheriff’s Office, captured the SUV swerving erratically, narrowly avoiding collisions with civilian vehicles. The deputies, trained in high-speed pursuit protocols, maintained a safe distance while coordinating with other units to deploy measures to stop the vehicle.
At approximately 8:10 p.m., Madison exited I-5 onto Maytown Road, a rural stretch known for its winding paths and limited visibility. It was here that the situation took a deadly turn. According to Sheriff Derek Sanders, Madison slowed the vehicle momentarily, rolled down the driver’s side window, and fired multiple rounds from an AR-15 rifle directly at the pursuing deputies. The gunfire struck the patrol vehicle, shattering the windshield and narrowly missing both Carter and Nguyen. Miraculously, neither deputy was injured, though the attack underscored the extreme danger posed by the suspect.
The Escape and Immediate Aftermath
Following the shooting, Madison accelerated again, veering onto a side road near the Chehalis Western Trail, a popular recreational path in Thurston County. Deputies attempted to deploy a PIT (Precision Immobilization Technique) maneuver to stop the SUV, but Madison’s erratic driving thwarted the effort. A subsequent attempt to use a grappler device—a relatively new technology designed to safely stop fleeing vehicles—was also unsuccessful when Madison swerved, damaging the device.
As the pursuit entered a densely wooded area, Madison abandoned the stolen SUV and fled on foot into the trail system. Deputies, prioritizing their safety and that of the public, established a perimeter and called in additional resources, including K-9 units and a Washington State Patrol helicopter equipped with thermal imaging. Despite an extensive search lasting into the early hours of May 9, Madison evaded capture, prompting the issuance of a statewide BOLO alert.
The Victims: Deputies John Carter and Sarah Nguyen
Deputy John Carter
John Carter, 38, is a respected figure within the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, known for his calm demeanor and dedication to community policing. A native of Olympia, Carter joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2013 after serving four years with the Washington State Patrol. Over his career, he has received multiple commendations for bravery, including a 2019 award for safely resolving a domestic violence standoff without the use of lethal force.
During the May 8 pursuit, Carter’s quick thinking and adherence to protocol likely saved lives. Despite the gunfire directed at his vehicle, he maintained control of the patrol car, ensuring that he and Deputy Nguyen could continue the pursuit without endangering civilians. In a statement released through the Sheriff’s Office, Carter expressed gratitude for the support of his colleagues and the community, emphasizing his commitment to continue serving despite the harrowing experience.
Deputy Sarah Nguyen
Sarah Nguyen, 34, is a highly trained deputy with a background in crisis intervention and tactical operations. Born in Seattle, Nguyen joined the Sheriff’s Office in 2017 after completing a degree in criminal justice at Washington State University. She is a certified field training officer and has been instrumental in mentoring new recruits. Nguyen is also known for her work with local youth programs, often volunteering her time to promote positive relationships between law enforcement and the community.
On the night of the incident, Nguyen’s role as the secondary officer was critical. She maintained constant communication with dispatch, relaying real-time updates on Madison’s movements and coordinating with other units. Her composure under fire was praised by Sheriff Sanders, who noted that her actions exemplified the professionalism of the Sheriff’s Office.
The Suspect: Damien Madison
Physical Description and Last Known Appearance
Damien Madison, 27, is described as a white male, 5 feet 10 inches tall, weighing approximately 170 pounds. He has dark brown hair, brown eyes, and was last seen wearing a black baseball cap with a red bill, a black t-shirt, and sunglasses. Authorities believe he may still be armed with the AR-15 used in the attack, as well as additional weapons, making him a significant threat to public safety.
Criminal History
Madison has a documented history of criminal activity in Washington state, though none of his prior offenses reached the severity of the May 8 incident. Court records indicate that he was convicted in 2021 for possession of a stolen vehicle and in 2023 for second-degree burglary. He was released on probation in early 2024 and was reportedly compliant with his terms until recent months, when he failed to appear for a scheduled check-in with his probation officer.
Investigators are exploring potential motives for Madison’s actions, including whether the stolen SUV was part of a broader criminal enterprise. The use of an AR-15, a high-powered semi-automatic rifle, suggests a level of premeditation and access to illegal firearms, raising concerns about his intentions and potential connections to other criminal networks.
Psychological Profile
While no formal psychological evaluation of Madison has been made public, law enforcement sources indicate that he may be experiencing heightened stress or paranoia, possibly exacerbated by his fugitive status. His decision to open fire on deputies, rather than attempting to evade capture nonviolently, suggests a willingness to escalate confrontations, a trait that has alarmed authorities.
Law Enforcement Response
Immediate Actions
Following Madison’s escape, the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office mobilized a multi-agency response involving the Washington State Patrol, Olympia Police Department, and neighboring Pierce and Lewis County sheriff’s offices. The search operation focused on the Chehalis Western Trail and surrounding areas, with K-9 units tracking Madison’s scent and aerial units scanning for heat signatures.
Sheriff Sanders addressed the public in a press conference on May 9, urging residents to avoid the area and report any suspicious activity immediately. “Damien Madison is considered armed and extremely dangerous,” Sanders stated. “Do not approach him under any circumstances. If you see him, call 911.”
The BOLO Alert
The statewide BOLO alert was issued at 2:15 a.m. on May 9, 2025, and disseminated through law enforcement networks, media outlets, and social media platforms. The alert includes Madison’s physical description, details of the stolen SUV, and a warning about his armed status. Posts on X from local news outlets and community members amplified the alert, with users like @JeremyHarrisTV and @Susan_Dupres sharing details of the incident and urging vigilance.
Technological and Tactical Measures
The Sheriff’s Office employed advanced technology during the pursuit, including the Grappler Police Bumper, a device designed to safely stop fleeing vehicles by entangling their rear wheels. While the device was damaged in this instance, its use reflects the department’s investment in non-lethal methods to resolve high-risk situations. The Washington State Patrol’s helicopter, equipped with FLIR (Forward-Looking Infrared) imaging, also played a critical role in the search, though dense foliage in the trail area limited its effectiveness.
Public Safety Implications
Community Impact
The incident has sent – and is still at large. The incident has sent shockwaves through Thurston County, a region known for its tight-knit communities and outdoor recreational opportunities. The Chehalis Western Trail, typically bustling with hikers and cyclists, has seen a significant drop in activity as residents heed warnings to avoid the area. Local schools implemented heightened security measures on May 9, with some canceling outdoor activities as a precaution.
Broader Implications for Law Enforcement
The attack on Deputies Carter and Nguyen underscores the growing dangers faced by law enforcement officers, particularly in pursuits involving armed suspects. The use of an AR-15, a weapon associated with mass shootings and other high-profile incidents, has reignited debates about gun control and the proliferation of firearms in the hands of individuals with criminal histories. Sheriff Sanders, while stopping short of advocating specific policy changes, called for increased resources to address mental health and recidivism among offenders like Madison.
National Context
The Thurston County incident is part of a broader trend of violent encounters between law enforcement and armed suspects. According to data from the FBI, assaults on law enforcement officers have risen steadily over the past decade, with 2024 seeing a 10% increase in such incidents compared to the previous year. High-speed pursuits, in particular, pose unique challenges, as officers must balance the need to apprehend suspects with the risk of collateral damage to civilians.
Investigation and Next Steps
Ongoing Search Efforts
As of May 9, 2025, the search for Damien Madison remains active, with law enforcement agencies expanding their efforts to neighboring counties. Investigators are analyzing the stolen SUV for forensic evidence, including fingerprints and DNA, and are reviewing surveillance footage from nearby businesses and traffic cameras. The Sheriff’s Office has also appealed to the public for tips, establishing a dedicated hotline for information related to Madison’s whereabouts.
Legal Consequences
If apprehended, Madison faces a litany of charges, including attempted murder of a law enforcement officer, possession of a stolen vehicle, and unlawful use of a firearm. Given his prior convictions, he could face life imprisonment or, in extreme circumstances, the death penalty, though Washington state abolished capital punishment in 2018. Prosecutors are likely to pursue the maximum penalties, given the severity of the attack and its impact on public safety.
Community Support for Deputies
In the wake of the incident, the Thurston County community has rallied around Deputies Carter and Nguyen. A fundraiser organized by the Sheriff’s Office has raised over $10,000 to support the deputies and their families, with local businesses donating meals and services. Community leaders have praised the deputies’ bravery, with Olympia Mayor Cheryl Selby calling them “heroes who put their lives on the line every day.”
Conclusion
The May 8, 2025, pursuit in Thurston County, Washington, is a stark reminder of the dangers inherent in law enforcement and the unpredictable nature of criminal behavior. Deputies John Carter and Sarah Nguyen, through their courage and professionalism, prevented a potentially catastrophic outcome, but the escape of Damien Madison has left the community on edge. As the search for the armed suspect continues, authorities are urging vigilance and cooperation from the public.
The incident has sparked broader conversations about public safety, law enforcement training, and the societal factors contributing to such violent encounters. For now, the focus remains on apprehending Madison and ensuring that justice is served for the deputies who faced his gunfire. The Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, backed by a united community, is determined to bring this dangerous individual to account, restoring peace to a region shaken by his actions.
