Ferndale driver fleeing police crashes, dies in Whatcom County

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (AP) — Authorities say a Ferndale man died after he fled police at high speeds and crashed his vehicle.


The Washington State Patrol says 54-year-old Ruben Mondragon-Gutierrez was found dead at the scene of a rollover crash early Wednesday in Whatcom County.

The patrol says a before the crash a Lynden police officer noticed Mondragon-Gutierrez exit a grocery store parking lot but quickly park again after seeing the squad car.

Authorities say the officer tried pull him over but the man drove off, hitting speeds of about 95 mph. Three miles into the chase, authorities say the officer ended the pursuit for safety reasons.

Troopers believe Mondragon-Gutierrez was still speeding when he drove into a ditch, overcorrected and swerved back, rolling multiple times.

A bicyclist came upon the scene and called authorities.