Updated 6/15/11

 
A high-speed chase resulted in a stolen car flipping into a ditch on Saturday, June 11, in Discovery Bay.


Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office reports that Matthew Norris, 26, of Port Orchard, eluded deputies across Jefferson County in a 2000 Ford Focus. Kitsap County Sheriff’s Office reports he might have stolen the car from a Kitsap County resident during a burglary.


Shortly after 2 p.m. Saturday, June 11, the Port Townsend Police Department was dispatched on information that Norris was driving erratically. He fled their attempt to stop him at high speeds.


A Jefferson County Sheriff’s deputy found Norris about 20 minutes later when he continued onto state Route 20, where spike strip tire deflators were deployed.


Norris then drove south on state Route 19 at speeds in excess of 80 miles per hour, passing other vehicles using the left lane and shoulder before going west on state Route 104. A deputy attempted more spike strips but Norris avoided them before turning north onto U.S. Highway 101. Capt. Ben Stamper said in his report that at least one of Norris’ tires was flat but that he continued to pass another motorist, finally losing control and driving off the roadway. The car rolled over and came to rest on its wheels.


Deputies arrested Norris at about 2:41 p.m. He was uninjured.


Norris had a felony warrant for escaping Washington State Department of Corrections custody in Bremerton.

Capt. Mike Stringer with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said Norris was using spice, also called synthetic marijuana, and methamphetamine.

After investigation, Stringer said Washington State Patrol discovered Norris sideswiped a vehicle at the intersection of State Route 19 and Irondale Road, causing minor damage to a side mirror.