An unusual escape attempt unfolded Tuesday when 27-year-old Rebecca Tupuola commandeered a jail transport van during what was supposed to be a routine transfer of prisoners. The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office reported that the van was parked by Bowers Field in Ellensburg, north of where it was stolen. Tupuola, from Wapato, took advantage of the situation while the vehicle was parked for an inmate transfer to King County, according to KIRO7.
The attempted escape didn't unfold solo; a male inmate found himself unwittingly caught up in the event, remaining in the rear of the van as Tupuola sped away. The same inmate, whose identity has not been disclosed, utilized a cell phone left in the van to dial 9-1-1, subsequently leading to his drop-off in a nearby field. A statement reported by KPQ clarified that this man "did not appear to be an accomplice to her alleged escape or theft."
Local law enforcement was promptly notified about the stolen van, activating search efforts from a collaborative mix of law enforcement agencies, including Ellensburg police and Washington State Patrol troopers. This led to the swift apprehension of Tupuola, who, after leaving the second inmate in a field, entered a nearby house and was later found by deputies hiding in a treeline with cash. As the drama unfolded, homeowners in the proximity were instructed to secure their premises, as noted by KOMO News.
The charges now faced by Tupuola include escape, theft of a motor vehicle, and burglary. She was initially in custody for separate theft-related charges and had no prior criminal incidents in Kittitas County before Tuesday's incident. Pursuant to the conclusion of the search, she surrendered herself to the authorities at the scene. The male inmate cooperated with the deputies, aiding the search for Tupuola by staying on the line with dispatchers, indicating her location after his own drop-off, as per KOMO News.
The investigation into what occurred during this singular escape attempt is ongoing and is being led by the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office. Tupuola has since been booked into the Kittitas County Jail as the legal proceedings move forward. No physical injuries were reported during the course of these events.
