King County, WA — A motorcyclist was taken into custody late Tuesday night after leading Washington State Patrol (WSP) troopers on a brief pursuit along SR-18 and Interstate 5, authorities said.
According to WSP, troopers first spotted the motorcycle on SR-18 near the Auburn/Black Diamond area and noticed it was displaying a bent license plate. When officers attempted a traffic stop, the rider fled westbound before merging onto northbound I-5.
Troopers reportedly lost sight of the motorcycle in Peasley Canyon, but additional units later located it on I-5. The rider eventually pulled over and was detained without further incident.
Officials say the rider admitted he fled because he did not want troopers to find drugs inside his backpack. He was arrested at the scene and booked into King County Jail. The motorcycle was impounded.
The incident was shared by WSP spokesperson Trooper Rick Johnson, who praised the coordination among responding units.
Images from the scene show the motorcycle stopped on the shoulder of the freeway under multiple patrol car lights, as well as troopers placing the rider into handcuffs.
No injuries were reported.