FERNDALE, Wash. — Around 5:45pm yesterday, Monday, June 8th, a motorcyclist was observed doing 80mph in the 60mph zone on I-5 northbound through Bellingham by a Washington State Patrol (WSP) trooper. The trooper attempted to stop the motorcyclist but, instead of pulling over, the motorcycle continued northbound on I-5.
According to unconfirmed radio transmissions from the pursuing trooper, the motorcycle reached speeds upwards of 120mph north of Slater Road before crashing while attempting to exit I-5 at the Main Street northbound I-5 off-ramp. Whatcom County Fire District 7 (WCFD7) aid crews were dispatched to the scene of the crash at 5:50pm.
The motorcycle driver was immediately taken into custody at the scene of the crash according to WSP Trooper Heather Axtman. He was transported by a WCFD7 aid unit to PeaceHealth St Joseph Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries according to WCFD7 Assistant Fire Chief Dean Crosswhite.
The motorcycle, damaged in the crash, was determined to have been reported stolen and was impounded by WSP according to radio transmissions from the scene.
Jacob M Huff, age 26, was booked into Whatcom County Jail that evening about 10:30pm charged with suspicion of the following charges.
- Driving while license was suspended – 3rd degree
- Attempting to elude a police vehicle
- Driving under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol
- Possession of a controlled substance
- Possession of a stolen vehicle
Huff remained in custody as of 7am, Tuesday, June 9th.