OAK HARBOR — An Anacortes man was killed Sunday morning on north Whidbey Island after he was ejected from his car and struck by a Washington State Patrol vehicle after a short pursuit.
The dead man was identified as Donald R. Johnson, 53.
The crash occurred shortly before 6 a.m. north of Oak Harbor and within about 200 yards from the Deception Pass bridge.
Trooper Jason Knott had just started his shift when he spotted a 2000 Toyota Celica going about 40 mph in a 25 mph zone, the State Patrol reported.
“The guy was driving recklessly,” Trooper Mark Francis said.
The patrol is investigating the possibility alcohol played a role in the crash.
When Knott, 41, turned on his emergency lights, the Celica took off at a high rate of speed, Francis said.
Knott pursued the Celica for about a quarter to a half mile, Francis said.
“He had lost sight and was getting ready to terminate pursuit,” Francis said.
The Celica headed northbound on Highway 20 when it crossed the center line and struck an embankment, Francis said. The driver was ejected and landed in the northbound lane while his car came to rest in the southbound lane, according to a State Patrol memo.
“The trooper came around the curve and struck the subject who was lying in the road,” Francis said.
The coroner will be asked to try to determine the cause of death, Francis said.
The highway was closed for about five hours as teams of detectives investigated the crash scene. Traffic backed up for miles.
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com
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