Everett man’s run will end in prison

Published 10:59 pm Thursday, May 29, 2008

LYNNWOOD — A run for the border has ended in a stop at the big house for an Everett man.

Anthony Turner on Thursday was sentenced to more than three years in prison for a crime spree that started at a Taco Bell drive-through in February.

Turner, 26, led police on a chase in a stolen Jeep. His mother and stepfather were inside.

Police shot at the Jeep after Turner struck a deputy when he tried to escape and drove over a curb at the fast-food restaurant. He eventually slammed into a rock wall at an apartment complex.

No one was seriously hurt.

Two months later, Turner pleaded guilty to four felony charges, including second-­degree assault.

Snohomish County deputy prosecutor John Stansell on Thursday recommended that Turner receive the low end of the sentencing range. Turner quickly took responsibility for his actions, Stansell said.

Turner apologized Thursday. He was on drugs the day of the chase, but that didn’t excuse his behavior, he told Snohomish County Superior Court Judge Bruce Weiss. The Everett man said he wants to move on with his life and make better choices in the future.

Turner already had a half-­dozen felony convictions, primarily for stealing cars or being in possession of stolen vehicles. Court records show that he often tried to flee during past run-ins with police.

In February, a deputy followed Turner in the stolen Jeep to the fast-food restaurant on Highway 99. Turner headed for the drive-through window and ordered food. As he approached the pickup window, a deputy blocked his exit and another deputy ordered him to shut off the Jeep. He was ordered to throw the keys to the Jeep out the window, but instead he started the vehicle and drove off.

He struck a deputy with the Jeep. Two deputies fired at the fleeing vehicle. Nobody was hit by bullets.

Turner later told police he got scared and just kept driving.

Reporter Diana Hefley: 425-339-3463 or hefley@heraldnet.com.