80 mph chase through Port Angeles ends with driver arrested

A high-speed chase through Port Angeles early Friday morning ended with the arrest of a local man, police say.

At around 2:30 a.m. Friday, a Clallam County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Sergeant attempted to pull over a silver passenger car on Pioneer Road because it did not have license plates. The driver, later identified as 30-year-old Benjamin Lester, sped away, running a red light at Highway 101 and Monroe Road.

Sgt. Harold Edwards pursued the vehicle, which was swerving across lanes and reaching speeds of up to 80 mph. Suspecting the driver was under the influence, Sgt. Edwards coordinated with other deputies to end the chase safely.

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Spike strips used to end high-speed chase through Port Angeles

Spike strips were deployed near Mount Pleasant and Bayview Park Lane, deflating the car’s right front tire. Despite this, Lester continued driving recklessly, eventually swerving into oncoming traffic on Highway 101. For safety reasons, the pursuit was halted.

The vehicle was later spotted on 5th Street. The car continued westbound, ignoring traffic signs and sparking as it drove. Near Laurel Street, the driver abandoned the vehicle and ran. Police quickly apprehended him after he tripped and fell.

Lester was arrested and booked into Clallam County Jail on charges of attempting to elude, DUI-drugs, and driving with a suspended license.

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