PORT ANGELES — Travis A. Nicolaysen, a Port Angeles man who evaded police and posted about it on Facebook, was arraigned Tuesday on a fourth-degree assault charge in Clallam County District Court for allegedly attacking his girlfriend last month.
Nicolaysen, 26, was arrested Monday after authorities received a tip that he was staying in a basement on the 500 block of East 12th Street in Port Angeles.
Clallam County District Court Judge Rick Porter on Tuesday set a $5,000 bail bond and scheduled a June 13 trial.
Nicolaysen, who pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge filed by the city of Port Angeles, remained in the Clallam County jail late Tuesday.
District court charging papers said he “intentionally committed non-consensual touching or placed another in fear of bodily injury” March 26.
Nicolaysen has not been charged in connection with evading police in two foot chases in residential neighborhoods near Olympic Medical Center on April 4.
Nicolaysen also was wanted by the state Department of Corrections for parole violations.
Authorities said he has been convicted of five felonies, including domestic violence, residential burglary, theft of a firearm and court-order violations.
After fleeing from police, Nicolaysen changed his Facebook status from “in a relationship” to “single” and responded to some who warned that the cops were after him.
After the story of Nicolaysen’s Facebook posts — and the words of support and criticism from his Facebook friends — was published in the Peninsula Daily News, it was picked up by news outlets across the U.S. and into Europe and India via The Associated Press.
Social media fans began following Nicolaysen on Facebook, and some comments supported his fleeing from authorities.
His Monday arrest, again reported by The Associated Press around the world, engendered more comments on Facebook, the popular social media website.
Port Angeles police, Clallam County sheriff’s deputies, state corrections officers and a U.S. Marshals fugitive task force Monday surrounded the house at 529 E. 12th St. and gained permission to enter.
Port Angeles Deputy Police Chief Brian Smith said Nicolaysen came up from the basement and surrendered.
Port Angeles attorney Stan Myers was appointed Nicolaysen’s counsel.
City Attorney Chris Cowgill is the prosecutor.
Porter scheduled a May 29 hearing to address trial readiness, pleas and continuances.
The deadline for pre-trial motions is May 15.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5072, or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.
