Everett man arrested after chase that caused crash with Whatcom County deputy
An Everett man was arrested Sunday during a chase through Whatcom and Skagit counties that ended when sheriff’s deputies forced him to stop using several “pursuit intervention techniques,” nudging the back of his car and making it spin out — after the fleeing driver caused a sheriff’s deputy’s car to crash.
No injuries were reported, Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Deb Slater told The Bellingham Herald.
Slater said the incident began as deputies tried to stop the man for speeding on Baker Lake Road. According to a probable cause statement filed with Whatcom County Superior Court, the suspect was going 60 mph in a 35 mph zone.
“The vehicle didn’t yield and continued southbound, passing other cars in a no-passing zone. Later, deputies found the vehicle on Highway 20 near (Highway) 9 and attempted to stop it again. The vehicle suddenly braked, causing one deputy to collide with it,” Slater said in an email.
The driver drove away after the collision, but was later forced to stop as he drove across sidewalks and a parking lot as he tried to flee, according to court documents.
A damage estimate for the deputy’s patrol car wasn’t immediately available.
The 23-year-old driver, who The Herald isn’t naming because he has not yet been formally charged, remained at the Whatcom County Jail on Thursday in lieu of a $50,000 bond or $5,000 cash. His arraignment is scheduled for Aug. 1.
He was arrested on several charges, including hit and run of an attended vehicle, failure to stop and give information, attempting to elude a police vehicle, driving under the influence of alcohol, obstructing a police officer, third-degree driving with a suspended license and resisting arrest, according to online booking information. Failing to stop for police is a Class C felony. The other charges are misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors.
