Early Friday morning, about 3 a.m. Deputy Brian Knutson saw a white pickup eastbound on SR 101 near Kitchen-Dick Rd, speeding. As he attempted to make a traffic stop on the subject, the white pickup slowed and stopped at the side of the road but then immediately took off again, with Deputy Knutson behind him. The truck began increasing their speed and weaving as the pursuit continued to the east county line and into Jefferson County. At times, speeds went over 100 mph.
Alerted to the situation, Jefferson County Sheriff’s Sergeant Pernsteiner and Deputy Anderson positioned themselves to assume the pursuit in the Discovery Bay area. Because the Jefferson County Deputies would be more familiar with the area, the lead in the pursuit was turned over to them. Still, the driver of the white truck failed to respond to the deputies’ lights and emergency equipment and continued south at a high rate of speed on SR101 towards Quilcene and Hood Canal.
Finally, at about 0341 am, near milepost 314, the pickup ran out of gas and stopped where deputies took the driver into custody.
Frank P. Wrbka, 51, of Joyce, was booked into the Jefferson County Jail on charges of DUI and Attempting to elude . Reports from Clallam County will also be referred to the Clallam County Prosecutor for consideration of charges relating to the attempt to elude Deputy Knutson as well.