Newly released video footage unveils the dramatic police pursuit that unfolded in April when a Portland man stole a Homeland Security vehicle from federal agents. The suspect, identified as Travis Grygla, 43, crashed the stolen vehicle near Castle Rock, Washington, after leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase that reached speeds up to approximately 120 mph.
The video, captured from police dash and body cameras, was made public in response to a public records request by KGW News [1]. It sheds light on the sequence of events that transpired as Grygla stole the police car and embarked on a nearly 60-mile pursuit, involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
The incident began on the morning of April 24 when federal investigators executed a search warrant at Grygla’s home in Southeast Portland. Grygla, a registered sex offender suspected of possessing and sharing child pornography, was left unhandcuffed in the passenger seat of a police car with an officer nearby, as stated in court documents filed by U.S. Homeland Security Special Agent Clinton Lindly.
Upon learning that a hidden cellphone had been discovered by investigators, Grygla expressed concern, reportedly stating, “this is not going to go good for me.” He took advantage of the situation, locked the car doors, slid into the driver’s seat, and fled in the unmarked Homeland Security SUV.
The pursuit spanned from Portland to Southwest Washington, with speeds near 120 mph, as confirmed by the police. The stolen vehicle, found with two firearms and additional police gear in a lockbox, attracted the attention of the Cowlitz County Sheriff’s Office, Washington State Patrol, Castle Rock Police, Kalama Police, and Woodland Police, all of whom responded to the incident.
The video recorded by police dash and body cameras reveals several attempts to deploy spike strips, although Grygla managed to evade them. Eventually, the front driver-side tire deflated.
As the pursuit reached Castle Rock, law enforcement used a pursuit tactic, causing Grygla to lose control of the stolen vehicle, which flipped onto its roof. Moments later, Grygla emerged from the wreckage and was apprehended by the authorities. He was arrested on an outstanding warrant and federal child pornography charges. A court appearance for Grygla is scheduled for July.