Whatcom motorcyclist allegedly sped up I-5 at 100 mph but denied seeing deputy in pursuit
A motorcycle rider denied seeing a Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputy trying to stop him during a high-speed chase that reached 100 mph Thursday on Interstate 5 in northern Whatcom County.
Derek Michael Becker, 39, was booked into Whatcom County Jail Sept. 3 on suspicion of attempting to elude police, and jail records show he is being held in lieu of $6,000 bail.
Deputies observed Becker tailgating a vehicle at approximately 8:45 p.m. on northbound I-5 near Birch Bay-Lynden Road and then cut off another vehicle, sheriff’s office spokesperson Deb Slater told The Bellingham Herald in an email.
Deputies attempted to stop Becker, but he instead sped away, pushing speeds up to 100 mph, Slater reported.
The chase ended when the Becker exited the freeway at Peace Portal Way, according to Slater, as deputies did not want the chase to continue on Blaine city streets.
The deputy continued to follow Becker at a distance, and was able to take him into custody without incident in the 1700 block of H Street, Slater reported.
Becker admitted to riding recklessly, Slater wrote, but he denied seeing the deputy trying to stop him.
