In a dramatic turn of events early Friday morning, a 30-year-old Port Angeles man was arrested after leading authorities on a high-speed chase that reached speeds of 80 mph. The incident began around 2:30 a.m. when a Clallam County Sheriff’s Office Patrol Sergeant attempted to pull over a silver passenger car on Pioneer Road for having no license plates. The driver, identified as Benjamin Lester, disregarded the officer’s attempt to stop and sped away, running a red light at Highway 101 and Monroe Road.
The Sergeant, Harold Edwards, initiated a pursuit of the vehicle, which swerved dangerously across lanes and continued to accelerate. Given the driver’s erratic behavior, Sergeant Edwards suspected that Lester might be under the influence. In response, he coordinated with additional deputies to bring the chase to a safe conclusion.
As the chase continued, authorities deployed spike strips near Mount Pleasant and Bayview Park Lane, successfully deflating the car’s right front tire. However, Lester persisted in his reckless driving, swerving into oncoming traffic on Highway 101. Due to the escalating danger, the pursuit was temporarily halted.
The vehicle was later spotted on 5th Street, continuing westbound and ignoring traffic signs, sparking as it went. Near Laurel Street, Lester abandoned the car and attempted to flee on foot but was quickly apprehended after tripping and falling.
Lester was arrested and taken into custody at Clallam County Jail. He faces multiple charges, including attempting to elude police, driving under the influence of drugs, and operating a vehicle with a suspended license. The chase has left many in the community shocked, as authorities were able to bring the dangerous situation to a close without injury.
