Detectives arrest ‘armed and dangerous’ man sought in Grays Harbor County murder

A man described by deputies as armed and dangerous was arrested Wednesday in connection with a murder in Grays Harbor County Monday afternoon.

At 1:40 p.m. Monday, deputies with the Grays Harbor Sheriff’s Office were called to Moclips for a report of a shooting. Deputies arrived to find a 59-year-old man with gunshot wounds.

Though a deputy, Quinault police officer and medics gave the man medical aid, he died shortly after being transported from the shooting scene on Otis Avenue.

Officers from Hoquiam, Quinault and Aberdeen helped search for the suspect, secure the scene and gather statements. The suspect was not found.

While interviewing neighbors and witnesses in the area, deputies were able to identify the suspect as 62-year-old Rufus A. Phelps III, according to the sheriff’s office. Investigators said they believe the shooting stemmed from a property dispute.

On Wednesday, Grays Harbor County sheriff’s detectives spoke with Phelps on the phone and negotiated his surrender. Phelps turned himself in to law enforcement officials in Seattle who took him to the county jail, where he will be booked for first-degree murder, second-degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm.

During the investigation, detectives also developed probable cause to arrest Phelps’ son, Rufus A. Phelps IV, as an accomplice to first-degree murder, second-degree assault and unlawful possession of a firearm.

Anyone who sees Phelps IV or knows his whereabouts is asked to call 911. Those with information or possible leads may email detectives at sodetectives@grayshabor.us or call the non-emergency line at 360-533-8765.

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