A Whatcom County man was arrested Friday night, June 15, after nearly crashing into a deputy and leading law enforcement on a high-speed chase north of Bellingham, according to the Whatcom County Sheriff's Office.

A deputy was driving east in the 300 block of West Smith Road about 8:10 p.m. when a motorcycle going west crossed the center line and almost hit the deputy's car head on. The deputy estimated that the motorcycle was going 100 to 120 mph at the time, Sheriff Bill Elfo said.

The deputy called for backup and attempted to pull the motorcycle over as it continued to speed, passing cars unsafely and running a stop sign. The biker finally stopped in the 1900 block of East Smith Road.

The motorcycle rider, Robert Hayes Kirkpatrick, 39, was booked into Whatcom County Jail for investigation of eluding, reckless driving and driving under the influence.

Reach ZOE FRALEY at zoe.fraley@bellinghamherald.com or call 756-2803.