What could have been a routine traffic stop turned into a high-speed chase, with a motorcyclist plunging 80-feet into the North Fork of Issaquah creek Wednesday night.

Washington State Patrol trooper Karim Boukabou said another trooper was trying to pull two motorcyclists over for speeding at 82 mph, when they decided to flee instead. One motorcyclist on a blue bike increased speed to 140 mph and got away.

The other motorcyclist, 22-year-old Jeffrey Kimmel of Newcastle, continued east, exiting at Highland Drive, weaving in and out of traffic, passing on shoulders, even passing the trooper.

Boukabou said the trooper disengaged the chase for safety, a which point Kimmel lost control of his yellow cycle and flew off the ramp into the creek bed below. His motorcycle was totaled.

Eastside Fire and Rescue responded. Deputy Chief Wes Collins said Kimmel suffered a broken leg among other injuries.

Kimmel was transported to Harborview with serious injuries.

Attempting to flee/evade a trooper is a felony. Boukabou said if they’d just pulled over they would only have been cited for speeding. Drugs and alcohol do not appear to be a factor.

Troopers are still looking for the driver of the blue motorcycle. If you have any information call the State Patrol at 425-401-7788.