PORT GAMBLE — A Port Townsend man has been cited for felony eluding after he crashed his car down a 100-foot embankment as he fled from law enforcement.
Steven L. King, 73, was airlifted to Harborview Medical Center in Seattle after the crash in Port Gamble ended a chase across the Hood Canal Bridge on Tuesday night, the State Patrol said.
King’s condition was not available.
The State Patrol gave this account:
King was being pursued by Jefferson County deputies at about 8 p.m. when he crossed the bridge and turned north toward Port Gamble on state Highway 104.
When he attempted to make a right-hand turn, his 2002 Ford pickup went off the shoulder and down the steep embankment.
King was not wearing a seat belt, the State Patrol said, adding that drugs and alcohol are not considered factors in the collision.
The cause of the crash was excessive speed, the State Patrol said.
He was cited for attempting to elude a pursuing police vehicle, said Trooper Krista Hedstrom, State Patrol spokeswoman, who added that agency may issue other citations after the investigation is concluded.
