A Washington state man accused of fatally striking a motorcyclist in a hit-and-run incident was released on bail ahead of his trial.
Josue Flores, 49, faces charges in connection with the death of 48-year-old Dennis “DJ” Thornlow. According to reporting by local outlet Anacortes American, Thornlow was riding his motorcycle near an Ace Hardware in Anacortes on the night of July 2 when he lost control and fell. Surveillance video from the store reportedly captured a sedan, allegedly driven by Flores, following Thornlow prior to the crash.
Court documents obtained by KING news indicate that the footage allegedly shows Flores’ car entering the Ace Hardware parking lot from a different entrance, sharply turning, and “intentionally” striking Thornlow while he lay on the ground.
Police said Flores allegedly ran over Thornlow, dragging him beneath the car across the parking lot for 186 feet before fleeing the scene. First responders pronounced Thornlow dead shortly after arriving.
Flores was charged with second-degree murder, vehicular homicide, and felony hit-and-run. After his arrest, a judge set bail at $50,000, which Flores posted following one night in jail. Prosecutors had advocated for $250,000, but Flores’ defense attorney argued that his client’s disability and inability to work warranted a lower amount.
Jordan Weeks, Thornlow’s longtime partner, told KING, “It’s frightening to know that people have that short a fuse, where they’re going to let their emotions take over them. They’re gonna let that rage consume them, and then do something that they can’t take back.”
Flores remains free on bond. His next court appearance is scheduled for October 30, with trial set to begin December 1.
