Man arrested following chase on U.S. Highway 101

Published 3:50 pm Wednesday, July 17, 2024

SEQUIM — Law enforcement officers arrested a man following a high-speed chase on U.S. Highway 101 from Port Angeles to Sequim.

Jason Viada, Port Angeles Police Department deputy chief, said police officers responded to a call Wednesday afternoon about an individual “behaving erratically” outside a bank in the 1600 block of First Street in Port Angeles.

A responding officer attempted to stop the man, who was not identified by law enforcement, but the officer was unable to keep him from getting into a vehicle.

The man then traveled eastbound toward Sequim on U.S. Highway 101.

“At times, he [traveled] at speeds semi-reasonable, 50 miles per hour, but it did get up to 100 [mph],” Viada said.

No one was injured, Viada said, although there were some “close calls.”

Officers did attempt to stop the man’s vehicle using spike strips, but he avoided them, Viada said.

The man’s car spun out and stopped near the exit at U.S. Highway 101 and Sequim Avenue, Viada said. That’s where officers and Clallam County Sheriff’s Office deputies detained him.

The man could face charges of driving under the influence and eluding law enforcement, Viada said.

The man was put in restraints by six law enforcement officers and medical personnel, then loaded into an ambulance.

Viada said he will be treated for injuries and then booked into the Clallam County jail.

“Mental health and drugs; that’s what we’re dealing with every day,” Viada said.