High-speed chase leads to arrest of Birch Bay man accused of stealing car from dealership

Whatcom County Sheriff’s deputies arrested a Birch Bay man last week who they say attempted to flee police in a stolen car.

Spencer Michael McKay, 34, of Birch Bay, is suspected of stealing the vehicle from a Bellingham dealership Sept. 20 and leaving his own vehicle behind, according to Deb Slater with the Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office.

Although police had a description of the suspect — a man with long hair, tattoos and wearing a baseball hat — the vehicle registration confirmed McKay’s identity.

When deputies spotted the vehicle on Birch Bay Road, they attempted to pull the vehicle over. Deputies reported the driver took off at high speed, driving erratically, including crossing the double yellow lines and driving in the opposite lane.

McKay eventually turned onto Kickerville Road to avoid a spike strip set by law enforcement and soon abandoned the vehicle. He surrendered to law enforcement and was arrested on suspicion of attempting to elude police, reckless driving and possession of a stolen vehicle. He was booked into Whatcom County Jail at 3:16 p.m. Friday.