Wanted man arrested after alleged assault on police officer in Tumwater

Tumwater police arrested 31-year-old Brandon Michael Lee after he allegedly assaulted an officer with a knife on July 24. Officers responded to a disorderly conduct report at a 7-Eleven around 1:58 a. m. , where they found Lee, who initially provided a false name. When police attempted to detain him, Lee fled, leading to a foot chase where he resisted arrest.

During the struggle, he cut an officer on the wrist with a folding knife concealed in his sleeve, resulting in a half-inch laceration that required medical treatment. Officers subdued Lee using force, including strikes to his face, and secured the knife. A subsequent search revealed Lee possessed a butterfly knife, drug paraphernalia with methamphetamine residue, and a bag containing 5. 9 grams of methamphetamine at the corrections facility. He faces multiple charges, including second-degree assault and possession of a dangerous weapon, along with an outstanding warrant for escape from community custody.

This incident highlights ongoing issues with drug-related crimes and officer safety in the region.