CHEHALIS, Wash. – August 13, 2025 — A high-intensity police response unfolded Wednesday morning in Chehalis after a suspect reportedly pointed a firearm at a passing train crew and later opened fire on responding officers, prompting a multi-agency search and temporary shutdown of Interstate 5.
At approximately 9:45 a.m., law enforcement was dispatched following a call for service from BNSF dispatch. The report indicated that an individual had drawn a firearm and pointed it at one of their train crews near the stock ponds north of Chamber of Commerce Way.
Responding officers from the Chehalis and Centralia Police Departments located a possible suspect in the area. As they approached, the man fled toward the railroad tracks, drawing a handgun and firing multiple shots at the officers. The suspect reportedly targeted three officers: a detective sergeant with the Centralia Police Department and two Chehalis Police Department officers.
The man then disappeared into the brush, continuing south along the tracks. Officers from both departments, along with deputies from the Lewis County Sheriff’s Office and officers from the Washington Department of Corrections, quickly converged on the area in pursuit.
The suspect was ultimately located on the railroad tracks just north of the former Mattress King store in Chehalis. He remained armed and refused to comply with police commands. A trained negotiator from the Centralia Police Department began communication efforts while law enforcement established a secure perimeter.
Due to the suspect’s earlier use of a firearm and his proximity to the freeway, both northbound and southbound lanes of Interstate 5 were closed as a precautionary measure to protect the public and responding personnel.
As of this report, no injuries to officers or civilians have been confirmed. Authorities have not released the suspect’s identity, and the situation remains under active investigation. More updates will be provided as information becomes available.
