A 32-year-old man from Chehalis, Gildardo V. Marquez, is facing multiple serious charges after allegedly leading police on a high-speed chase in Lewis County, Washington, on January 20, 2026. The incident began when a state trooper attempted to stop a vehicle on Interstate 5, but the driver sped away, triggering a pursuit.
High-Speed Chase on I-5 Ends at Local Store
According to court documents, the trooper tried to stop Marquez’s vehicle near milepost 73, after it suddenly braked and pulled over. But as the trooper got closer, the vehicle sped off, exited the highway at milepost 74, ran a red light, and then re-entered the interstate, only to exit again at milepost 76.
Due to increasing traffic and dangerously high speeds, the trooper eventually ended the pursuit. However, the vehicle was later found parked outside a convenience store nearby. Inside the store, the trooper identified and approached Marquez.
Marquez denied being connected to the vehicle and even walked away from it. But after reviewing the store’s security footage, police confirmed he had exited the vehicle moments earlier. Another trooper then detained Marquez, who reportedly told officers after being read his Miranda rights that he ran because he was hungry and knew his license was suspended.
Facing Felony Charges with a History of Driving Offenses
Marquez is now facing the following charges:
- Attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle (Class C felony)
- Making a false or misleading statement to a public servant
- Third-degree driving with a suspended or revoked license
The eluding charge is a felony and carries a maximum penalty of 5 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. Because Marquez allegedly put others at risk during the pursuit, prosecutors may seek to add an additional 12 months and 1 day to his sentence under Washington law.
Judge Points to Extensive Driving History
Marquez appeared in Lewis County Superior Court on January 21, where Judge Joely Yeager set bail at $20,000. She cited “some of the worst driving history” she had ever seen, including:
- Four pages of prior driving offenses
- A 2018 DUI conviction in California
- Past arrests for hit-and-run, driving with a suspended license, and DUI
- A pending case for third-degree driving with a suspended license from December 2024
The judge also noted that Marquez was already awaiting sentencing for another driving-related crime when this latest incident occurred. This violation of court conditions, along with his past, contributed to her decision to treat him as a flight risk.
Next Steps in Court
Marquez is prohibited from driving any motor vehicle while the case is ongoing. He was scheduled for an arraignment on January 22, where formal charges and his plea would be entered.
