AUBURN — A Sultan man was behind bars in King County on Tuesday after he allegedly tried to carjack a vehicle that had run out of gas.
The Washington State Patrol reported the suspect, 22, attempted to take the truck along Highway 18 in south King County.
Troopers said the man threatened to shoot the car’s owner early Tuesday morning before getting behind the steering wheel.
“Those threats did not influence the truck’s fuel-starved engine, which started only briefly and sputtered out after about 50 yards,” State Patrol spokesman Robert Calkins said.
The truck earlier ran out of gas and the driver had called a family member for assistance. He was napping in the driver’s seat about 4:30 a.m. when the suspect knocked on the window and told the owner he’d be shot if he didn’t give up the vehicle.
When the vehicle stalled, the suspect got out and began walking down Highway 18. Troopers soon caught him. He was booked him into jail for investigation of robbery and auto theft.
Troopers and dogs searched the area but did not find a weapon.
The suspect had been released from the Clark County Jail on Monday morning.
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