Freeway chase at 100 mph explained

An allegedly intoxicated man who passed at a marked patrol car on I-5 at over 100 mph was arrested on Sunday.

Corey James, 41, of Shelton, allegedly was traveling at speeds of 90-100 mph at 12:40 a.m., and passed a fully marked Olympia Police car on I-5 south near Exit 109 when pulled over by that same police officer on May 30.

OPD had to accelerate to catch the vehicle, hitting a speed of 96 mph, then pulling over James at the Martin Way E and College St NE intersection.

According to the police report, OPD noticed a cigar odor from James’ SUV, but then observed that James’ eyes were bloodshot and watery. After the cigar smoke cleared from the vehicle while James got his insurance, registration and license, OPD noticed that the smell of alcohol beverages was coming from James.

During the conversation with OPD, James denied driving at 100 mph and said his check engine light was on, and that he did not like driving with people on the freeway, so he was trying to pass them.

OPD researched James’ background and learned that James had previously been charged with driving while license suspended charge and a pre-trial ignition interlock device required. According to the police report, James also had two prior (11/2/2018 and 5/30/2019) driving under the influence charges on his record.

When asked by OPD if he was willing to perform the voluntary field sobriety tests, James shook his head and stated that he “knew where the process was going.”

James was booked into the Olympia Jail for DUI and had his blood drawn by Capital Medical Center.

During James’ June 1 arraignment (recording provided below this story) his bail was set at $25,000 and the requirement of an interlock ignition device was set for five days out.