Motorcyclist Evades EPD Checkpoint, Crashes

First federally-funded checkpoint nets two DUI arrests

Humboldt Sentinel
11/14/08
By Sentinel Staff

EUREKA -- The first of a new system of checkpoints in the county seat resulted in eight arrests on Thursday, including a motorcyclist who failed to stop, evaded Eureka Police Department officers, and then crashed on southbound Hwy. 101.

Allen Guilliams, aged 30 of Eureka, rode his motorcycle into the checkpoint taking place yesterday evening at the intersection of Fourth St. and Commercial St. According to the EPD release, Guilliams passed a line of stopped cars on the right-hand side, and then accelerated and failed to stop for the screening officers.

EPD officer Drake Goodale caught up with Gilliams traveling at high speed southbound on Broadway near Sixth St. and activated his emergency lights and sirens in his attempt to pull the suspect over. Guilliams evaded the officer and sped south on Hwy. 101 at speeds reaching 90 miles per hour in this 35 mph zone.

Nearly a mile later, Guilliams lost control of his motorcycle at the 3200 block of Broadway and collided with a moving vehicle which was crossing Broadway. Guilliams was thrown from the motorcycle and landed on the pavement. He proceeded to get up and attempted to flee from officers on foot. Goodale was able to catch up with and detain Guilliams in the parking lot of Carl’s Jr.

After being treated for his accident-related injuries at a local hospital, Gilliams, a parolee, was booked into the county lock-up for felony evasion, driving while unlicensed, and a parole violation.

The checkpoint, which is funded by a grant from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, also resulted in two arrests for driving under the influence, as well as 6 citations for driving without a license, including Guilliams. According to the EPD release, 402 vehicles in total passed through the checkpoint, where drivers were required to present their papers for inspection.