Thomas Johnson Killed in DUI Hit-and-Run Crash on Bethel Burley Road [Port Orchard, WA]

56-Year-Old Male Bicyclist Pronounced Dead after DUI Collision on Bethel Burley Road in Port Orchard

 
Port Orchard, WA (May 13, 2020) – Saturday afternoon, 56-year-old Thomas Johnson died in a DUI hit-and-run crash on Bethel Burley Road.
 
Dispatchers first arrived in the 8800 block of southbound Bethel Burley Road Southeast. According to reports, witnesses saw Johnson riding his bike on the road shoulder near Port Orchard. For unknown reasons, a car then veered off the right shoulder and struck the bicyclist.
 
However, driver of the vehicle continued driving. Due to the impact, the bicycle he hit stuck to his vehicle. Police caught the suspect, a Port Orchard man, 40, about a mile away from the scene. Witnesses saw him trying to detach the pinned bicycle in his car and there, sheriff’s officials said he was arrested.
 
In addition, the driver told police that he thought he hit a mailbox. After a blood sample was taken, the driver was confirmed to be driving under the influence of narcotics. As a result, authorities later booked him into the Kitsap County Jail with bail set at $250,000.
 
Officers also say he is being charged with vehicular homicide, and hit-and-run while driving with a suspended license.
 
Moreover, the surrounding area on Bethel Burley Road was closed off for a brief time during cleanup and preliminary duties. However, the roadway has since reopened.

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Our sincere condolences are with the family and friends of Thomas Johnson during this time.

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If you or a loved one has been involved in a similar bicycle or auto accidnet, contact the personal injury attorneys at Sweet Lawyers. With over 40 years of experience in the legal field, we know what it takes to win your case. Our attorneys and experienced professional legal team dealt with cases including car accidents, personal injury, wrongful death, and disability. Call our offices today at (800) 203-3061 for a free consultation.