PORT ANGELES — Tips from Crime Stoppers led to the Friday arrest of a Port Angeles man who was wanted on a felony state corrections warrant and for investigation of first-degree assault of a police officer, Port Angeles police said.
Jacob K. Backman, 35, was arrested as he attempted to elude officers on foot in the 1100 block of West 15th Street, city police said.
Shortly before the 12:05 p.m. arrest, Crime Stoppers, which provides tips to law enforcement agencies nationwide, advised dispatchers that Backman was seen in a carport on the 1000 block of West 15th Street.
Officer John Nutter and Sgt. Glen Roggenbuck spotted Backman trying to flee and put him in handcuffs.
Another Crime Stoppers tip placing Backman in a Pine Street apartment complex was investigated about 45 minutes prior to the arrest.
Search since May 13
Police had been searching for Backman since May 13, when he allegedly drove a truck toward Officer Bruce Fernie, who was investigating drug activity on the 300 block of East Second Street.
“As the truck accelerated, the officer pushed himself off the corner of the vehicle,” Deputy Police Chief Brian Smith said in a statement.
“The officer’s deliberate actions helped him avoid being struck and injured by the vehicle.”
Police followed leads, served a search warrant and asked the U.S. Marshals Service’s Northwest Fugitive Task Force for assistance.
An “officer safety alert” was placed in state and nationwide criminal databases, Smith said.
Smith also praised Washington’s Most Wanted for helping get the word out about Backman and posting a description and multiple photos of him on the website at http://tinyurl.com/JBackman.
“It’s a great sort of success story all around,” Smith said.
Wanted in Kitsap, too
According to the Washington’s Most Wanted posting, Backman also was wanted in Kitsap County for failing to report to his probation officer following his release from prison on a robbery sentence.
North Olympic Crime Stoppers, one of more than 1,700 Crime Stoppers chapters throughout the United States and 34 other countries, was formed in 1997.
Anonymous tips can be placed at 800-222-TIPS.
Crime Stoppers offers cash rewards of up to $1,000 for information leading to arrests in felony cases.
“The Port Angeles Police Department greatly appreciates the assistance from Crime Stoppers that led to the arrest of Jacob Backman,” Smith said.
