BLYN — State Patrol troopers arrested a Sequim man late Monday night on investigation of driving under the influence and felony eluding troopers after he was stopped on U.S. Highway 101 near The Longhouse Market.
Michael A. Gilmore, 67, a transient with his last-known address in Sequim, was taken to the Clallam County jail, where he submitted to a blood-alcohol test, registering at nearly twice the legal limit, the State Patrol said.
The State Patrol gave this account:
Gilmore was driving a 1998 Chevy S10 when he was pulled over shortly after 11:30 p.m. near the Longhouse Market after Trooper Russ Sanders saw that Gilmore’s vehicle had its bright lights on.
“He noticed obvious signs of impairment and smelled odor of intoxicants,” said Trooper Krista, State Patrol spokeswoman.
The driver was unable to locate any identification, Hedstrom said.
Trooper Grant Clark arrived to assist Sanders while Sanders was talking to the driver.
“As driver noticed the other trooper pull up, he shifted into drive and took off at a high rate towards Sequim,” the State Patrol said in a report.
“Pursuit began. However, the driver had a hard time controlling his vehicle and almost struck a guardrail.
“This caused vehicle to lose speed, and gave the trooper an opportunity to block the motorist’s vehicle,” stopping it less than a mile past 7 Cedars Casino on 101 westbound.
Troopers reported that Gilmore’s vehicle did not travel faster than 40 mph before it was stopped the second time.
No injuries were reported.