Runaway Toyota Prius Driver: 'He Thought He Was Going to Die'

California Highway Patrol report offers harrowing narrative of James Sikes' ride

ByABC News

March 16, 2010, 10:46 AM

March 17, 2010  -- James Sikes, the driver of the Toyota Prius that allegedly accelerated out of control last week, appeared to be in a "panicked state," "displayed signs of shock," "was clearly shaking," and "thought he was going to die," according to a just released report on the incident by the California Highway Patrol.

The report, written by the CHP officer who helped Sikes bring his car to a stop, Todd Neibert, does not express any skepticism about Sikes' version of events, which has now been called into question by representatives of Toyota and others.

Written two days after the incident but not released till Wednesday afternoon, the report says that Sikes' vehicle reached speeds of up to 95 mph. Neibert states that when he first approached the Prius on Interstate 8 east of San Diego, its "red brake lights were on for a period of time and would turn off, indicating the driver was possibly pumping the brakes."

CLICK HERE TO READ THE FULL REPORT

Neibert said even when he was within a quarter of a mile of the Prius he could "smell the heated brakes, which indicated they had been used extensively."

Neibert also stated that when he observed Sikes through a lowered window, the driver's "back was arched" and he "sat off up off his seat indicating that he was possibly applying the brake pedal with his body weight."

Later, as both vehicles ascended a "long uphill grade," Neibert states that he again observed that the Prius' "brake lights were on" as it sped at about 85 mph. After the Prius came to a stop, Neibert stated that he visually inspected the front brakes and found the brake pads were "worn down to what appeared to be nearly metal on metal."

Neibert writes that when he spoke to Sikes after the incident, he observed that Sikes' voice was "labored and shaky." According to Neibert, Sikes told him "he thought he was going to die." The report notes that a paramedic who evaluated Sikes at the scene found the driver's "blood pressure and pulse rate" were very high.