Crime & Safety

UPDATE: Kirkland Man Killed on 85th after Car Hit By Out-Of-Control SUV

The driver of the SUV was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide and reportedly was chasing another vehicle in a road rage incident.

A 43-year-old Kirkland man was killed on NE 85th Street Sunday when his car was struck by an SUV driven by a Snohomish man who lost control while apparently pursuing another vehicle off Interstate 405 in a road rage incident, according to the State Patrol.

Steve Lacey was killed by the impact while driving his BMW westbound on 85th in Kirkland Sunday at about 2 p.m. He was not involved in the road rage incident.

Patrick S. Rexroat of Snohomish, 56, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular homicide and booked into King County Jail after being treated and released from Evergreen Hospital. He allegedly was traveling southbound on 405 in a Hyundai Santa Fe and lost control after taking the eastbound 85th exit at a high rate of speed. His car crossed the centerline of 85th and struck Lacey's.

Rexroat claimed to be pursuing another vehicle he said had cut him off, State Trooper George Englebright reported in a press release. The State Patrol incident report stated alcohol was involved, that Rexroat admitted he was drunk and had trouble maintaining his balance.

His blood alcohol level tested at .328, about four times the legal limit, the report said.

Rexroat's bail was set Monday at $50,000 in King County Superior Court. Prosecutors have until Wednesday to decide on charges against him.

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Lacey, a software engineer who worked for Google in Kirkland and was British, leaves a wife, Nabila, and two children, Julian, 7, and Jasmine, 5. They live in the Everest neighborhood.

The State Patrol is urging anyone who might have witnessed the incident to contact the agency.

Find out what's happening in Kirklandfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Both vehicles were totaled.

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Patch free-lance writer Julie Arnan contributed to this report.

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