Background: The scene of the tragic incident at an Ace Hardware store in Anacortes, Washington, where Dennis “DJ” Thornlow lost his life on July 2 (Google Maps). Inset: Dennis “DJ” Thornlow (Jordan Weeks/Facebook).
A Washington state man accused of running over a motorcyclist who died at the scene was allowed to leave jail until he goes to trial.
Josue Flores, aged 49, was apprehended in connection with the fatal hit-and-run of 48-year-old Dennis “DJ” Thornlow. According to the Anacortes American, a local news source, Thornlow was riding his motorcycle near the Ace Hardware store in Anacortes during the evening of July 2 when he lost control and was thrown off. Surveillance footage from the store allegedly recorded a sedan, reportedly driven by Flores, pursuing Thornlow down the street before the accident occurred.
Court documents accessed by NBC affiliate KING indicate that the footage also purportedly shows Flores’ vehicle entering the Ace Hardware parking area from a different entry point, making a sharp right turn, and “intentionally” driving toward Thornlow, who was on the ground and injured.
Authorities stated that Flores then allegedly ran over Thornlow, dragging him beneath his vehicle for a distance of 186 feet across the Ace Hardware parking lot before fleeing the scene.
Thornlow was pronounced dead at the scene minutes after first responders arrived.
Flores faced charges of second-degree murder, vehicular homicide, and felony hit-and-run. Following his arrest, a judge set bail at $50,000, which Flores paid after a single night in jail. Although prosecutors requested a $250,000 bail, Flores’ lawyer contended that due to his disability, he was unable to work, warranting a reduced bail.
Jordan Weeks, who had a long-term partnership with Thornlow, expressed her concerns to KING about Flores being released from custody, stating, “It’s alarming to think that people can act on a whim, letting their emotions drive their actions without considering the irreversible consequences of their rage.”
Flores remains free after posting bond. His next court date is scheduled for Oct. 30 and his trial is set for Dec. 1.
