Lacey man arrested on suspicion of hit and run

Lacey police arrested a 36-year-old Lacey man at a residence on Wade Court Saturday night after witnesses followed an alleged hit-and-run driver who struck a motorcyclist on 54th Avenue, then alerted police, court papers state.

About 6:45 p.m. Saturday, a motorcyclist was headed west in the 5900 block of 54th Avenue SE. The motorcycle driver attempted to make a right turn onto Emerald Drive when a car struck him from behind. The motorcyclist was ejected. He suffered a broken hand, and was treated and released from an area hospital, according to court papers.

Two passersby who witnessed the collision followed the suspect's vehicle to a residence in the 6200 block of Wade Court. The suspect's vehicle had "three flat tires and substantial damage on the driver's side," court papers state.

The suspect told police that he "freaked out" after the crash with the motorcyclist, and was about to call 911 to report the crash when police arrived, court papers state. The driver said he had had a couple of beers before the crash, according to court papers.

The suspect consented to a blood-draw to test for intoxication. He was placed under arrest on suspicion of hit and run and vehicular assault.

Jeremy Pawloski: 360-754-5445 jpawloski@theolympian.com