Fugitive named in disappearance of Kent man missing more than a week
Authorities suspect foul play may be involved in the case of a Kent man missing for more than a week.
Ian Eckles, 41, was last seen in Kent the afternoon of May 16.
He was heading to the Cle Elum area for a hunting trip with friends, who called the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office when he didn’t show up for work May 18.
Eckles’ friends say the Sheriff’s Office sent out search crews over the weekend but have not yet located him.
His Toyota FJ Cruiser, however, was allegedly seen being driven by a 34-year-old man who was able to elude law enforcement during a pursuit Tuesday night.
The suspect got away after leading police to the Blewett Pass area near Mineral Springs.
On Monday, the Kittitas County Sheriff’s Office identified the suspect as Jorge Alcantara-Gonzalez and said he is wanted in connection with Eckles’ disappearance, stolen vehicles and unrelated burglaries.
Alcantara-Gonzalez is described as Hispanic or Native American, 5-feet-7 and 175 pounds. He is likely armed and may be in possession of a red MSR “Hubba Hubba” dome tent with red poles and a light gray rain fly.
Anyone with information on his whereabouts is asked to call the Sheriff’s Office at 509-925-8534.
This story was originally published May 27, 2020 at 10:31 AM.
