PORT ANGELES — The man who led police on a 44-mile highway chase in April will stand trial after being deemed mentally competent.
The trial of Lawrence Pearson will begin June 29 in Clallam County Superior Court. It’s expected to last two days.
Pearson, 47, of Ocean Shores is charged with attempting to elude law enforcement for leading police on a chase on April 9 at speeds up to 100 mph on U.S. Highway 101 that began in Sappho near the junction with state Highway 113.
It ended at the corner of Lincoln Street and Lauridsen Boulevard in Port Angeles. No one was hurt.
The chase began when Pearson buzzed by a Clallam County sheriff’s deputy at high speeds. He did not give police a reason as to why was speeding.
The court ordered Pearson to undergo a mental evaluation. He was deemed mentally competent to stand trial May 12.
With a sentence enhancement for third-party endangerment, Pearson could be sentenced to up to six years in prison and receive a $10,000 fine under state law.
But based on his offender score, which reflects previous convictions, his sentence range is between 16 and 24 months in prison, according to court documents.
That range includes the 12-month enhancement.
The Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has offered Pearson a plea bargain of 18 months. He has until May 26 to respond to the offer.
Pearson’s has previous convictions of two felonies and 11 misdemeanors.
The convictions that apply to his offender score are reckless driving, second-degree burglary, first-degree theft, hit and run (unattended), malicious mischief, and a drug violation.
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Reporter Tom Callis can be reached at 360-417-3532 or at tom.callis@peninsuladailynews.com.
