PORT ANGELES — A 21-year-old Port Townsend man was in court Monday for investigation of attempting to elude police in a late-night chase — which reached speeds of 75 mph — through Port Angeles residential areas over the weekend.
Brandon W. Hampton was still in custody in the Clallam County jail in lieu of $10,000 bond after his appearance in court.
In his motion to determine probable cause, Port Angeles Police Officer Josh Powless said he first saw Brandon W. Hampton driving west on the 1000 block of East Front Street when Hampton turned off his car’s headlights.
After following him for several blocks, Powless said he watched Hampton driving about 75 mph down Jones Street — about 50 mph over the 25 mph speed limit.
Powless, in his patrol car, chased Hampton’s car down Jones and Front streets to Washington Street and then back to First Street, where Hampton stopped.
“As Hampton spoke to me, I could smell the strong odor of intoxicants on his breath,” Powless said in his statement.
Hampton was also charged with possession of marijuana, furnishing liquor to a minor and driving under the influence in addition to attempting to elude a police officer.
The marijuana was found in Hampton’s car.
A female passenger in Hampton’s car, identified as a minor, also had consumed alcohol, Powless said.
Hampton voluntarily took a blood-alcohol breath test, Powless said, and tested twice with results of 0.159 percent and 0.173 percent — both above the legal limit of 0.8 percent.
Hampton’s arraignment is set for Friday 9 a.m.
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Reporter Paige Dickerson can be reached at 360-417-3535 or at paige.dickerson@peninsuladailynews.com.
