PORT ANGELES — A motorcycle rider who officials said drove recklessly and eluded State Patrol troopers in five counties during the weekend is in custody after a trooper flying a plane over the Sequim Lavender Weekend followed him to Steilacoom.
Joshua Robert Kay of Oregon, 38, was booked into the Clallam County jail at 2:25 a.m. Sunday for investigation of eluding a police vehicle, reckless driving and driving with a suspended license.
Troopers said Kay was seen driving a green 2008 Kawasaki motorcycle eastbound on U.S. Highway 101 six miles west of Sequim traveling about 76 mph in a posted 55 mph zone and did not yield to a State Patrol trooper.
The trooper pursued but ended the chase four minutes later after the rider continued to speed and used the oncoming lane and right shoulder to pass vehicles, according to a press release.
A trooper flying a Cessna 206 equipped with an infrared camera was in the area working on traffic emphasis because of heavy traffic associated with the Sequim Lavender Weekend, and he was able to watch the rider, providing updates to law enforcement on the ground. Troopers on the ground followed from a distance, but did not re-engage the pursuit.
The aviation trooper followed Kay through Clallam, Jefferson, Mason, Thurston and Pierce counties until he abandoned his motorcycle in Steilacoom.
He then fled on foot but was found later by Steilacoom police officers.
“The WSP takes vehicle pursuits very serious, and weighs the safety of suspect apprehension with the safety of the motoring public,” said State Patrol District 8 Capt. James Mjor in a press release. “In this case, we are pleased with the decisions of the troopers involved, the tools utilized such as aviation, and our partnerships with allied agencies that lead to one more dangerous person being removed from the roadways.”
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Reporter Jesse Major can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 56250, or at jmajor@peninsula dailynews.com.