Deputy chases motorcyclist who tried to escape at 100 mph, Placer Sheriff’s Office says
A deputy chased a motorcyclist who violated traffic laws before he sped off, weaving in and out of an oncoming lane at more than 100 mph and crashing in Foresthill, Placer County sheriff’s officials said.
The motorcyclist, later identified as Michael Johnson, 49, of Foresthill, was arrested on suspicion of evading law enforcement, driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs and driving with a suspended driver’s license for a DUI conviction, the Placer County Sheriff’s Office announced Wednesday.
The patrol deputy first spotted Johnson on the motorcycle about 4 p.m. Sunday. Sheriff’s officials said Johnson had violated traffic laws, then crossed a double-yellow line into the oncoming lane after seeing the deputy behind him. The pursuit began.
In an attempt to lose the deputy, Johnson continued to weave in and out of the oncoming lane, reaching speeds of more than 100 mph, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The chase ended when Johnson crashed the motorcycle on Foresthill Road.
Johnson refused to comply with the deputy’s orders to show his hands and tried to pick up the motorcycle from the ground, sheriff’s officials said. The deputy called for back-up to help detain Johnson.
Sheriffs officials said the deputies noticed Johnson was displaying signs of intoxication, and Johnson consented to a blood test. He was later arrested.
On Wednesday afternoon, Johnson remained in custody at the Placer County Jail with bail was set at $210,000, he was scheduled to appear in court Tuesday.
