Motorcyclist with active warrants ejected 25 feet, sent to hospital after pursuit Sunday

A motorcyclist with active warrants in Thurston County was sent to the hospital Sunday after fleeing a traffic stop, crashing into a mailbox and being ejected 25 feet from his bike.

According to a social media post from Sheriff Derek Sanders, a Thurston County Sheriff’s deputy attempted to stop an erratic driver at around 2:30 a.m. Sunday near 93rd Avenue Southwest, south of Tumwater. The motorcyclist fled the traffic stop and the deputy pursued him.

The man drove north on Interstate 5 to U.S. Highway 101, passed through neighborhoods and ended up on Delphi Road. It was in the 1500 block of Delphi that the rider fishtailed, crashed into a mailbox and was ejected 25 feet from his bike.

The deputy rendered medical aid until medics arrived, and the rider was transported to an area hospital with serious injuries. His bike was impounded.

Sanders said the rider had active warrants for driving with a suspended license and DUI/physical control. New charges of driving with a suspended license, attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, reckless driving and failure to transfer title will be referred.

The rider is also a suspect in eluding a pursuing police vehicle from October 2023.

Sanders said fleeing the police in a vehicle, especially on a street bike, is statistically most dangerous for the fleeing driver.

“We encourage drivers thinking about fleeing to reconsider the risk you place upon yourselves and others,” Sanders said. “Fleeing only has the potential to turn minor issues into major problems.”