Deputies still searching for suspect after woman jumps from his moving car

A woman jumped out of a moving car January 12 while her boyfriend, who was reportedly holding her against her will, attempted to elude Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office deputies.

Sheriff’s office deputies are searching for Kevyn A. Johannesson, 32, after establishing probable cause to arrest him on suspicion of eluding a police vehicle, unlawful imprisonment and driving with a suspended license, community programs coordinator Deb Slater told The Northern Light in an email. Johannesson also has a felony arrest warrant out of Montana.

Around noon on January 12, a deputy attempted to stop a vehicle for a traffic offense near Arnie and Blaine roads in Birch Bay; however, the vehicle sped off at over 100 mph, Slater reported. The vehicle then tried to lose the deputy in a residential area.

While in chase, the deputy saw a female passenger in the vehicle who appeared to be terrified and attempting to escape, Slater reported. When the driver attempted to make a U-turn, the woman jumped out of the vehicle while it was moving.

Slater reported the deputy then stopped the pursuit in order to assist the woman, who had minor abrasions on her hands and legs. Investigation determined Johannesson, her boyfriend, had held her against her will in the vehicle, Slater reported.

The vehicle was later found abandoned in Birch Bay, but Slater reported a K-9 was unable to locate Johannesson.

Deputies are actively searching for him, Slater said.