Marshals join hunt for Everett suspect in domestic violence case

Published 1:30 am Sunday, October 30, 2016

MILL CREEK — Federal marshals have joined the hunt for an Everett-area man suspected in a domestic violence case that also involved a dangerous car chase and the discovery of an improvised explosive in the trunk of one of his Cadillacs.

James D. Britton, 32, was charged earlier this month with a felony for allegedly attempting to outrun Mill Creek police on Sept. 28. He also faces a gross misdemeanor for a hit-and-run crash during the chase.

Officials believe Britton may be in southern California and the U.S. Marshal’s Service is working with Mill Creek detectives to track him down, Snohomish County deputy prosecutor Tobin Darrow said in court papers

The case began with a domestic violence report. Britton allegedly showed up at his ex-wife’s apartment at 7 a.m.

“He was very angry and it was not clear why,” Darrow wrote in documents filed along with the Snohomish County Superior Court charges. “He began to destroy property in the apartment including the couch, which he slashed with a knife.”

Police were called and Britton drove away in a gray Cadillac. A Mill Creek officer spotted the vehicle. When he attempted to stop the Cadillac it sped away, blasting through multiple red lights, making illegal U turns and reportedly reaching speeds of up to 100 mph.

At one point the Cadillac collided with another vehicle. It kept going, reportedly shedding parts.

The vehicle eventually headed west, crossing over I-5, then north to the Voyager Middle School parking lot.

Witnesses reported watching the driver dump his car and run from the scene. A search with a police dog didn’t turn up the driver.

Police impounded the fleeing vehicle as well as another Cadillac Britton owns. That car was parked outside his ex-wife’s apartment.

The vehicle was searched with a judge’s permission. Detectives reportedly found a handgun, a ballistic vest, some suspected methamphetamine and an explosive device reportedly made from fireworks, court papers show.

The woman and her children headed to California. Britton allegedly called the home where she’s staying and left a message: “I am going to make it down there and kill you if it is the last thing I do,” according to court papers.

Britton is being sought on an arrest warrant carrying $250,000 bail.

Scott North: 425-339-3431; north@heraldnet.com. Twitter: @snorthnews.