FEDERAL WAY, Wash. — A 34-year-old motorcyclist died after crashing into a tow truck parked on the shoulder of southbound Interstate 5 near Federal Way Sunday evening.
The crash near South 272nd Street was blocking all southbound lanes until just before 1 a.m. Monday morning
Prior to the crash, Washington state troopers tried to pull the motorcyclist over for reckless driving, according to Trooper Rick Johnson. However, the motorcyclist did not stop. Troopers did not pursue, according to Trooper Johnson.
The "motorcycle continued driving recklessly and struck a tow truck on the shoulder," Johnson tweeted.
The Washington State Department of Transportation warned of an "extended closure" and recommended drivers find alternative routes.
Troopers learned that the motorcyclist was ejected and struck by another vehicle on I-5 before coming to rest three lanes over from the shoulder.
On Monday, the motorcyclist was identified as a male from Silverdale. The southbound lanes were closed for five and a half hours.