PORT ANGELES — A police chase early Wednesday morning in western Port Angeles ended with a wrecked vehicle and a trio of charges against a Port Orchard woman.
Ashley Petersen, 40, of Port Angeles was reported later Wednesday in good condition at Olympic Medical Center in Port Angeles, where she was taken after her Honda was hit by a Port Orchard woman fleeing police.
Amber Watson, 37, of Port Orchard, remained in the Clallam County jail later Wednesday, held for investigation of driving under the influence, attempting to elude pursuing police vehicles and possession of a stolen motor vehicle.
A Clallam County Sheriff’s Office deputy investigated a report of a vehicle blocking a driveway in the 2800 block of U.S. Highway 101 just west of Port Angeles about 6:50 a.m. Wednesday, according to a press release from the Port Angeles Police Department.
The black 2022 Dodge pickup was found to have been stolen from Bremerton.
A driver and passenger were discovered sleeping in the vehicle with drug paraphernalia in their laps, according to police.
When the deputy tried talking to the driver, she woke up and drove out of the deputy’s sight, police said.
About 7:10 a.m., a Port Angeles police officer who was assisting the deputy found the vehicle west of Port Angeles; the officer reported seeing it turn from state Highway 112 onto Elwha River Road and head east toward Port Angeles.
The officer tried stopping the vehicle, but the driver drove off. The officer suspected the driver was under the influence and a pursuit was authorized. Elwha police assisted.
After a short pursuit, the pickup collided with a 2016 Honda Pilot driven by Petersen near Elwha River Road and Forsberg Road.
After the collision, the passenger of the stolen pickup truck fled on foot while its driver was arrested.
The collision is being investigated by the Clallam County Sheriff’s Office.
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Reporter Brian Gawley can be reached at brian.gawley@soundpublishing.com.
