Chase Near Cle Elum Leads to Search at Renton Man's Home

Authorities uncover illegal gun parts, firearms, and drugs during search of James Newport's residence.

Published on Feb. 22, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A police pursuit near Cle Elum, Washington led to a search warrant being executed at the Renton home of 34-year-old James Newport. During the search, authorities recovered unlawfully possessed firearms, untraceable firearm receivers, a suppressor, suspected fully-automatic firearm conversion devices, a 3D printer, and supplies consistent with manufacturing illegal firearm components. Newport was also found to be in possession of suspected controlled substances, including methamphetamine, fentanyl, and psilocybin mushrooms.

Why it matters

The discovery of illegal firearm conversion devices and manufacturing supplies at Newport's home highlights the growing nationwide issue of these dangerous devices being used to create fully-automatic weapons, which pose a serious threat to public safety and law enforcement. The case also underscores the need for continued vigilance and coordination between local and county law enforcement agencies to address the proliferation of untraceable "ghost guns" and other illicit firearms.

The details

According to the Renton Police Department, the search warrant was executed on February 16th at Newport's home in the 700 block of Southwest Fifth Court in Renton. In addition to the firearms, conversion devices, and drug evidence, officers also found a stolen firearm and a 3D printer. The Kittitas County Sheriff's Office stated that the firearm conversion devices can enable firearms to fire up to 1,200 rounds per minute, significantly increasing the danger to the public and law enforcement.

  • On February 11th, deputies made contact with Newport near State Route 970 and U.S. Route 97 after receiving information that a black Chevrolet Camaro he was driving had fled from deputies in Chelan County.
  • During the pursuit, officers deployed spike strips, disabling Newport's vehicle near Interstate 90 from State Route 970, east of Cle Elum.
  • On February 13th, deputies searched Newport's Camaro and located suspected controlled substances and evidence of unlawfully manufactured or possessed firearms.
  • On February 16th, the Renton Police Department assisted the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office in executing the search warrant at Newport's Renton home.

The players

James Newport

A 34-year-old Renton resident who was the subject of the search warrant executed at his home.

Kittitas County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that initiated the pursuit of Newport and executed the search warrant at his Renton residence.

Renton Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that assisted the Kittitas County Sheriff's Office in executing the search warrant at Newport's home.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

The Kittitas County Prosecutor's Office will review the case and determine if additional charges will be filed against James Newport.

The takeaway

This case highlights the growing threat of illegal firearm conversion devices and untraceable "ghost guns" in communities across the country, and the need for continued collaboration between local, county, and state law enforcement agencies to address this public safety issue.