FORKS – A manhunt is underway for a Forks man who eluded several law enforcement agencies this morning, including search dogs, after reportedly trying to burn down an out-building.
Deputies were dispatched at 9:20 a.m. to a residence on Hammer Way in Forks. The caller reported the suspect, 31-year-old Michael Brandon Gross, was at the residence in violation of a domestic violence No Contact Order.
Deputies were told he had started a fire within a shop on the property and they arrived to find that the fire, which had already been extinguished, had damaged a wall.
While deputies and members of the Border Patrol, La Push Police, Forks Police, Quileute Wildlife Officers and Fish and Wildlife assisted with the search for Gross, he was sspotted swimming across the Sol Duc River.
He was later pursued by a Port Angeles Police Canine officer and track dog but they were unable to locate him.
At this time, Deputies have probable cause for the arrest of Michael Gross for Arson, felony violation of a court order, malicious mischief and resisting arrest.