Two Lynnwood police officers on routine patrol spotted the 45-year-old Gibler driving a stolen Honda with stolen plates in the parking lot of the Hobby Lobby at 196th and Highway 99. A second person was in the passenger seat. After determining that the vehicle and plates had been reported stolen, the officers followed the vehicle west on 196th Street and then south on 76th while calling in for backup. Edmonds police units were immediately dispatched to assist.
Noticing he was being followed, Gibler attempted to elude police, but crashed into another vehicle near the intersection of 76th Avenue West and Highway 99. The passenger exited the vehicle and fled on foot, but Gibler was arrested at the scene. The officers searched the suspect and the car, and found drugs, drug paraphernalia, cash, stolen checks and a key modified to operate automobile ignition locks. A K-9 search was initiated for the passenger, and Keith McKendry was apprehended two hours later after neighbors reported him running through their yards.
This is not Gibler’s first brush with the law. His criminal history dates back to 1987 and includes more than a dozen felonies and numerous misdemeanors including burglary, theft, assault, and controlled substance violations.
Gibler was arraigned in Snohomish County Superior Court on Oct. 10, charged with ignition interlock violation, DUI, identity theft, hit-and-run, possessing vehicle theft tools, obstructing an officer, possession of a stolen vehicle and driving without a license. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and was remanded to custody in lieu of $100,000 bail. His trial date was set for Dec. 2.
No information is available on McKendry at this time.
— Story by Larry Vogel
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