A Clallam County man was arrested Thursday following an incident involving a rifle in Forks and later struck a corrections deputy while being booked at the Clallam County Jail, according to the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office. The suspect, identified as Elijah Jackson, also allegedly backed a vehicle containing three adults and several young children into a police patrol unit before officers took him into custody.

No children were injured in the collision, and the deputy who was struck sustained minor injuries, the sheriff's office stated. Clallam County Superior Court Judge Brent Basden granted the suspect's release on Friday regarding the charges originating from the Forks investigation.

However, the individual remained jailed pending a Monday, October 19, arraignment on a separate felony charge involving custodial assault, the agency noted. Authorities reported that Forks officers arrived at a residence around 1:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 15, following reports that a man had pointed a rifle at several people after a dispute. The suspect departed in a vehicle as officers attempted to make contact with him.

The vehicle carried three adults and children ranging in age from approximately 3 to 10 years old. Sheriff’s deputies joined Forks officers to locate the vehicle, which eventually stopped near Sol Duc Way and Forks Avenue. At that location, the suspect reversed into a Forks police patrol vehicle before officers placed him under arrest. A search of the man and his vehicle yielded a hunting rifle and drug paraphernalia. The children were subsequently released to their mother.

The suspect was booked on multiple offenses, including first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, felony harassment, second-degree malicious mischief, reckless endangerment, driving under the influence of drugs, attempting to elude a police vehicle, unlawful carrying of a weapon capable of bodily harm, obstructing a law enforcement officer, and resisting arrest. During the booking process at the county jail, the suspect allegedly punched a corrections deputy in the face, resulting in the additional custodial-assault charge.

The investigation into the original incident is being conducted by Forks police and the sheriff’s office. The La Push Police Department and National Park Service also provided assistance.

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