Seattle Man Faces Homicide Charge in SR 167 Crash Near Auburn

AUBURN, Wash. — A 24-year-old Kent man died Monday, Sept. 28, after a motorcycle collided with a Porsche on southbound State Route 167 just north of State Route 18, according to the Washington State Patrol.

Zachary T. Johnston rode a 2008 Kawasaki motorcycle when the crash occurred around 12:46 p.m. The collision ejected Johnston from the motorcycle, and he came to rest in lane four. He died at the scene.

The Porsche driver, 28-year-old Shahar Elter of Seattle, escaped injury. WSP recommended a vehicular homicide charge against Elter.

This Crash Report is sponsored by CrashLaw.NET, a legal resource for crash victims in Whatcom County.

WSP Investigates Lane Changes

Both vehicles were traveling southbound in the carpool lane of the four-lane highway, according to WSP.

According to the incident report, the Porsche moved from lane four to lane two while the motorcycle moved into lane three. The Porsche then moved into lane three and struck the motorcycle.

“SB SR 167 at SR 18 is closed due to a Car/Motorcycle fatal collision. More info to come.”

Trooper Rick Johnson, Washington State Patrol

WSP listed speed and an improper lane change as the causes of the collision.

The report lists drugs or alcohol involvement as unknown.

Johnston wore a USDOT-compliant helmet, according to WSP.

SR 167 Closed for More Than Four Hours

The collision closed all southbound lanes of SR 167 near SR 18 while emergency crews and troopers worked at the scene.

At 2:26 p.m., WSDOT said southbound traffic had to exit at 15th Street Northwest in Auburn. The agency reported that the closure continued at 3:25 p.m. and advised drivers to use alternate routes.

WSDOT North reported at 4:07 p.m. that crews had begun reopening all southbound lanes. WSP said the roadway remained blocked for approximately four hours and 11 minutes.

The collision totaled the motorcycle and left reportable damage on the Porsche.

Frequently Asked Questions