Motorcyclist Ends Up In Irrigation Canal after Brief Pursuit

A motorcyclist, who failed to stop for a Washington State Patrol trooper, ended up in an irrigation canal after a brief pursuit ensued near Moses Lake Thursday night. A state trooper attempted to stop a motorcycle at around 10:45 p.m. that was headed southbound on state Route 17, close to the I-90 interchange, however the driver failed to stop which prompted a pursuit.

"It was a very short pursuit, a minute, maybe a minute and a half long, before the motorcycle driver crashed his motorcycle into the canal on the side of the roadway," said Trooper John Bryant.

The motorcyclist, Kelly Ellingson, was immediately placed in custody after the crash.

"He wasn't injured, just wet and cold of course, because it's late at night and you're in a canal," said Trooper Bryant.

Ellingson was cited for attempting to elude, which is a felony, and driving with a suspended license. He received a medical clearance from Samaritan Hospital and booked into Grant County Jail.