Issaquah, Washington — A Washington Costco employee has been accused of intentionally causing a deadly motorcycle crash after prosecutors say he became enraged when he saw a coworker hugging a woman he was reportedly infatuated with. Investigators allege the fatal incident, captured on video, unfolded just minutes after all three employees left the Costco headquarters parking lot.
The suspect now faces serious criminal charges in a case prosecutors describe as being fueled by jealousy and anger.
Prosecutors Say Parking Lot Hug Sparked Deadly Pursuit
According to court documents, Tyler Sorensen, 22, saw his coworker, Jonathon Langdon, 20, embrace fellow Costco employee Samantha Peterson in the parking lot of Costco Headquarters in North Issaquah.
Prosecutors allege Sorensen became visibly upset after witnessing the hug.
Investigators claim he nearly struck Langdon and Peterson with his sedan while they were still in the parking lot before waiting approximately 10 minutes for Langdon to leave on his motorcycle.
Authorities say Sorensen then followed Langdon onto nearby roads in his gray sedan.
Court documents also allege Sorensen sent a text message to friends reading, “Always told me he was just a friend. My blood is boiling,” along with a photo of Langdon and Peterson embracing.
Video Allegedly Captured Fatal Collision
Investigators say surveillance and roadway video show Sorensen catching up to Langdon before allegedly striking the rear of the motorcycle.
According to prosecutors, the impact sent Langdon into a metal street sign, causing catastrophic injuries.
Court filings state that Langdon’s motorcycle continued moving forward without its rider after the collision. Authorities described the crash as extremely violent, saying the impact separated the visor from Langdon’s motorcycle helmet.
Investigators also documented injuries they said were consistent with Langdon striking the metal signpost during the crash.
Suspect Allegedly Drove Away After Crash
Rather than stopping to help, prosecutors allege Sorensen left the scene.Investigators say he briefly pulled over to inspect the damage to his own vehicle before continuing toward home.
While driving, Sorensen was reportedly stopped by a Washington State Patrol trooper for speeding, though the trooper was unaware that a fatal collision had occurred nearby.
According to investigators, Sorensen later returned to the crash scene after his father learned about the incident and brought him back to surrender to authorities.
Police Say Suspect Admitted Intentional Act
Following his arrest, investigators allege Sorensen admitted that the collision was intentional.
According to court documents, he allegedly told detectives, “It was stupid but I… meant to do it,” explaining that he became “panicked” and “riled up” after seeing Langdon hug Peterson.
Peterson, however, reportedly told investigators that she and Sorensen had never dated.
She also stated that she had repeatedly told him he was “crossing boundaries” and that she needed space, according to investigators.
Defendant Pleads Not Guilty
Sorensen pleaded not guilty during his arraignment Thursday. Following the hearing, a judge ordered that he remain in custody and set bail at $2 million.
Court records show he is scheduled to return to court on August 27 for a pretrial conference as the criminal case moves forward.
The allegations against Sorensen remain subject to the judicial process, and he is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court.
What are your thoughts on this case? Should prosecutors seek harsher penalties in crimes where investigators allege jealousy was the motive? Share your opinion in the comments below.
