By SCOTT NORTH
Herald Writer
Two 17-year-old boys are facing adult trouble after being charged with first-degree assault for allegedly shooting at a Snohomish County sheriff’s deputy Friday.
Brandon Joseph Gerner of Everett and Duane Roderick Lynch of Marysville both were involved in a police pursuit near Lake Stevens in which shots were fired from the fleeing car, deputy prosecutor Michael Magee alleged Tuesday in Superior Court papers.
Deputy Jeff Stemme tried to stop the car after it raced through a 25 mph zone at 50 mph. The deputy backed away, however, when passenger Gerner stood up through the vehicle’s open sunroof and shot at the patrol car, Magee alleged. Lynch was driving at the time, according to prosecutors.
The chase ended in a crash, but Gerner and Lynch eluded a police dragnet until tips led officers to a north Everett home Saturday.
Both defendants were interviewed by police, and said the pursuit and gunfire occurred while they were on their way to commit a drive-by shooting, Magee alleged.
The pair have admitted involvement in other crimes, and additional charges are expected, including attempted robbery, burglary, possession of stolen firearms and assault, according to court papers.
Both are being jailed in lieu of $200,000 bail.
"Although both defendants are 17, the nature of this and several other anticipated crimes mandates their automatic decline to be tried as adults," Magee wrote.
Both teens have extensive juvenile criminal histories.
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