News release from the Kennewick Police Department
On Tuesday, July 15th at approximately 11:00am, one of our Traffic Unit motorcycle officers attempted to stop a motorcyclist traveling 60MPH in a posted 40MPH zone in the area of Steptoe Street and W Tucannon Avenue. When the officer got behind the motorcycle and activated their emergency lights, it was determined that the motorcycle did not have a license plate displayed.
Instead of stopping as required by law, the rider chose to flee at excessive speeds, and taunt the motor officer as he sped away.
A short time later, a Benton County Sherriff’s Office Detective spotted the motorcycle pulling into an apartment complex in the 9200-block of Gage Boulevard. Through diligent investigation and collaboration with our partners at the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, the rider was identified as 41-year old Herbert Girton. Girton has previous eluding incidents in which he has tried to evade law enforcement on his motorcycle. The KPD Traffic Unit drafted search warrants related to this incident which were approved by Benton County District Court.
This morning, a search warrant was executed in the 9200-block of Gage Boulevard. Evidence related to the crime was located. Girton was also located and arrested for the following crimes:
Driving While License is Suspended in the 1st DegreeOperating a Motor Vehicle without an Ignition Interlock DeviceFailing to Obey a Police OfficerObstructing a Public Servant
In addition to the crimes Girton was arrested for, he also received several civil infractions amounting over $1,500.
We want to thank the Benton County, WA Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.
Our region has seen an increase in motorcyclists attempting to flee from law enforcement officers in recent months. This reckless and dangerous behavior puts innocent people at risk and will not be tolerated.
Through thorough investigation, teamwork, and the dedication of our officers and partner agencies, we have been able to identify and hold several of these offenders accountable. If you choose to flee, know that we will use every resource available to locate you and bring you to justice.
On Tuesday, July 15th at approximately 11:00am, one of our Traffic Unit motorcycle officers attempted to stop a motorcyclist traveling 60MPH in a posted 40MPH zone in the area of Steptoe Street and W Tucannon Avenue. When the officer got behind the motorcycle and activated their emergency lights, it was determined that the motorcycle did not have a license plate displayed.
Instead of stopping as required by law, the rider chose to flee at excessive speeds, and taunt the motor officer as he sped away.
A short time later, a Benton County Sherriff’s Office Detective spotted the motorcycle pulling into an apartment complex in the 9200-block of Gage Boulevard. Through diligent investigation and collaboration with our partners at the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, the rider was identified as 41-year old Herbert Girton. Girton has previous eluding incidents in which he has tried to evade law enforcement on his motorcycle. The KPD Traffic Unit drafted search warrants related to this incident which were approved by Benton County District Court.
This morning, a search warrant was executed in the 9200-block of Gage Boulevard. Evidence related to the crime was located. Girton was also located and arrested for the following crimes:
• Driving While License is Suspended in the 1st Degree• Operating a Motor Vehicle without an Ignition Interlock Device• Failing to Obey a Police Officer• Obstructing a Public Servant
In addition to the crimes Girton was arrested for, he also received several civil infractions amounting over $1,500.
We want to thank the Benton County, WA Sheriff’s Office for their assistance in this investigation.
Our region has seen an increase in motorcyclists attempting to flee from law enforcement officers in recent months. This reckless and dangerous behavior puts innocent people at risk and will not be tolerated.
Through thorough investigation, teamwork, and the dedication of our officers and partner agencies, we have been able to identify and hold several of these offenders accountable. If you choose to flee, know that we will use every resource available to locate you and bring you to justice.
