An unsettling incident has emerged from Issaquah, Washington, involving a Costco worker accused of causing a fatal crash. The employee reportedly confessed to law enforcement that his intention was merely to “scare” a fellow coworker after spotting him embracing a woman he fancied.
Twenty-two-year-old Tyler Sorensen is at the center of allegations that he pursued 20-year-old coworker Jonathan Langdon out of their workplace. The confrontation unfolded on July 31 after Sorensen observed Langdon share a hug with another colleague, Samantha Peterson.
Surveillance cameras documented the disturbing chase as Sorensen’s gray vehicle closely followed Langdon’s motorbike. Disturbingly, the footage shows Sorensen allegedly accelerating and then colliding with Langdon.
The impact hurled Langdon into a street sign, resulting in his immediate death, while his motorcycle continued its unintended journey onward.
Court documents obtained by KOMO News reveal that Sorensen allegedly fled the scene immediately, pausing only once to ensure his car had no damages before heading home.
He was stopped by a Washington State Patrol Trooper and given a speeding ticket, the officer unaware of the fatal collision that had unfolded a few miles back, according to documents.
Roughly an hour after the incident, King County prosecutors claim Sorensen returned to the crash scene only after his father brought him back.
The alleged suspect admitted to police that he intentionally struck the motorcycle, saying his ‘blood was boiling’ after he saw the victim embrace Peterson.
Surveillance footage from the DA’s office captured the moment 22-year-old Tyler Sorensen’s gray sedan trailed behind his coworker, Jonathan Langdon’s, motorcycle before he allegedly rammed into him
Langdon died from the collision, and Sorensen (pictured) was charged with second-degree murder
‘It was stupid but I… meant to do it,’ he said, according to prosecutors. He then said he didn’t mean to strike the victim, he just wanted to ‘spook him.’
Sorensen claimed that Peterson was his ex-girlfriend, which Peterson has denied.
Peterson told police the two were not romantically involved and that she had repeatedly told Sorensen he was ‘crossing boundaries’ as a friend.
The 22-year-old allegedly sent a chilling text message to friends shortly after the collision, saying, “I f****d up bad.’
Court documents described how the motorcyclist’s body was mangled after he was catapulted into the street sign, the New York Post reported.
‘Langdon’s body is seen violently impacting the metal signpost, causing his body to wrap around the post and recoil backwards, landing face down,’ per court records.
Prosecutors said Langdon was found face down and wearing a black helmet when first responders arrived at the scene.
The impact of the crash was so severe that it caused Langdon’s visor to separate from his helmet.
‘Langdon’s shirt was pulled up from his waist and there appeared to be an impact mark on his lower back.
Sorensen’s vehicle after the incident, he allegedly fled the scene and drove home, only stopping once to check that his car was intact
Costco Wholesale headquarters are seen in Issaquah, Washington. All three employees worked at this location
‘The impact mark appeared to match the metal sign post next to Langdon in width and the circular holes, which left visible matching marks on his skin,’ documents stated.
Sorensen was charged with second-degree murder and thrown behind bars in King County Jail.
He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment on Thursday, and following the hearing, his bail was set at $2 million.
The Costco worker was ordered to remain in custody, and is scheduled to return to court on August 27 for a routine pre-trial conference.