WSP Seeks Witnesses in Fatal SR 167 Crash Near Auburn

AUBURN, Wash. — Washington State Patrol detectives are asking witnesses to come forward after a fatal crash on southbound State Route 167 near Auburn that killed a motorcycle rider Monday.

The crash happened around 12:45 p.m. Sept. 28, just north of State Route 18. The motorcycle rider died at the scene.

WSP said its investigation has since determined through witness accounts that the motorcycle and a 2025 Porsche 911 were traveling southbound at a high rate of speed and apparently racing before the Porsche changed lanes and struck the motorcycle.

The motorcycle rider, identified previously by WSP as 24-year-old Zachary T. Johnston of Kent, was ejected in the collision and died at the scene.

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

WSP Seeks Witnesses and Dashcam Video

Detectives are now asking anyone who witnessed the crash or captured it on dashcam video to contact WSP.

The agency said investigators are particularly interested in anyone who saw the Porsche and motorcycle before or during the collision.

The Porsche driver, 28-year-old Shahar Elter of Seattle, was taken into custody on suspicion of vehicular homicide under the reckless-driving provision of the statute.

WSP had previously said speed and an improper lane change contributed to the crash.

Anyone with information or dashcam footage can email WSP Detective John Ford at John.Ford@wsp.wa.gov.

Previous SR 167 Crash Investigation

The September 28 crash closed all southbound lanes of SR 167 near SR 18 for approximately four hours and 11 minutes while troopers and emergency crews investigated.

According to WSP, the Porsche struck the motorcycle after changing lanes, ejecting Johnston from the motorcycle.

The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue collecting witness information and reviewing evidence from the crash.

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