Man ejected from car, struck by trooper, dies

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

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

South County Fire plans push-in ceremony for newest fire engine

Anybody who attends will have the opportunity to help push the engine into the station.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

Stolen fire engine smashes signs, trees and 14 parked vehicles in North Everett

There were no injuries, but the suspect, who abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot, is still at large.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Skylar Maldonado, 2, runs through the water at Pacific Rim Plaza’s Splash Fountain, one of the newer features add to the Port of Everett waterfront on Tuesday, July 15, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
CEO: Port of Everett pushes forward, despite loomimg challenges from tariffs

CEO Lisa Lefeber made the remarks during the annual port report Wednesday.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Stock photo
Foundation raised over $55,000 to pay for student school supplies in Stanwood-Camano.
Stanwood area foundation raises more than $55,000 for school supplies

A month-long campaign exceeded its goal to help support elementary students in the Stanwood-Camano School District.

District 1 candidates talk financial priorities, student needs

Three newcomers — Carson Sanderson, Arun Sharma and Brian Travis — are eyeing the vacant seat on the district’s board of directors.

Top, from left: Bill Wheeler, Erica Weir and Mason Rutledge. Bottom, from left: Sam Hem, Steven Sullivan.
Candidates seek open District 1 seat in crowded race

Five people are aiming to take the open seat left after current council member Mary Fosse announced she would not run for reelection.

Pia Sampaga-Khim, right, and Jana Rafi, left, demonstrate how a patient check in might go in the Snohomish County Health Department’s new Health on Wheels Van on Wednesday, April 9, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
New federal DEI restrictions on County Health Department funding spurs hiring halt

12 positions were paused for fear of unsustainable funding.

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.