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Centralia Today
By the People, for the People
Loaded Gun, Cocaine Found in Traffic Stop; Man Threatens Gas Station Employee
Separate incidents in Lewis County lead to arrests and court appearances
Mar. 21, 2026 at 12:35am
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In two separate incidents in Lewis County, Washington, law enforcement made arrests related to weapons, drugs, and threats. In one case, a man was pulled over for speeding and found to have a loaded handgun and cocaine residue. In another case, a man was arrested for allegedly threatening a gas station employee and was later found in contempt of court.
Why it matters
These incidents highlight ongoing public safety concerns in the region, including the presence of illegal weapons and drugs, as well as threats of violence against local businesses. They also raise questions about bail reform and the challenges of addressing repeat offenders.
The details
In the first incident, Marcus A.L. Ruby, 30, of Kelso was pulled over by a sheriff's deputy for speeding. During the traffic stop, the deputy allegedly discovered a clear plastic bag with cocaine residue and a loaded handgun in Ruby's vehicle. Ruby was arrested and charged with first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, third-degree driving with a suspended or revoked license, and possession of a controlled substance. The court set his bail at $25,000 due to his criminal history and lack of income. In the second incident, Nathan J. Hayes, 47, of Toledo was arrested after allegedly making threats to a gas station employee when asked to leave the business. Hayes was charged with two counts of felony harassment, one count of second-degree criminal trespass, and one count of resisting arrest. During his preliminary court appearance, the judge found Hayes in contempt of court for interrupting the proceedings.
- On March 19, 2026, Marcus A.L. Ruby made a preliminary court appearance.
- On March 19, 2026, Nathan J. Hayes made a preliminary court appearance.
- On March 19, 2026, Nathan J. Hayes was arrested in Chehalis, Washington around 5:14 a.m.
The players
Marcus A.L. Ruby
A 30-year-old resident of Kelso, Washington who was arrested during a traffic stop and charged with first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm, third-degree driving with a suspended or revoked license, and possession of a controlled substance.
Nathan J. Hayes
A 47-year-old resident of Toledo, Washington who was arrested and charged with two counts of felony harassment, one count of second-degree criminal trespass, and one count of resisting arrest after allegedly threatening a gas station employee.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
These incidents highlight ongoing public safety concerns in the region, including the presence of illegal weapons and drugs, as well as threats of violence against local businesses. They also raise questions about bail reform and the challenges of addressing repeat offenders.
