EVERETT — A man who was struck by a car along I-5 after reportedly running from a traffic stop in Everett has been released from the hospital.
Michael Pyles, 22, of Ferndale, was pulled over Jan. 27 for a speeding violation just south of 41st Street SE.
A Washington State Patrol trooper was trying to arrest Pyles for failing to provide identification when the man reportedly took off across the highway, officials said. He was struck by a Ford sedan driven by a Marysville man.
Injuries from the crash kept him at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle until about a week ago.
Police still aren’t sure why Pyles ran, Trooper Keith Leary said Monday. At the time, Pyles had warrants out of Edmonds for theft and drug investigations. He did not have a valid driver’s license. The accident backed up traffic in Everett for hours.
Pyles now is being cared for by family at home, Leary said. He is healing from injuries he suffered in the crash.
Troopers were glad to hear that Pyles is on the mend.
“When you’re stopped by the police, this is a very good example of what not to do,” Leary said.
The case has been forwarded to prosecutors. Troopers are recommending that Pyles face charges of resisting arrest, driving with a suspended license and possession of drug paraphernalia.
A woman who was in Pyles’ car when he ran was uninjured, Leary said.
The woman, Pyles’ girlfriend, was arrested at the scene. She reportedly grabbed a syringe from the car and threw it out the window, despite repeated warnings from a trooper not to touch it.
Her case also has been forwarded to prosecutors, Leary said. She was booked into jail after Pyles was hit, but since has been released. Troopers are recommending she be charged with obstructing a police officer.
Rikki King: 425-339-3449; rking@heraldnet.com
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