Vancouver man accused of hit-and-run with motorcyclist

A Vancouver man accused of intentionally causing a motorcyclist to crash into the back of his car and then brandishing a gun made a first appearance Monday in Clark County Superior Court.

Cory S. Sands, 29, appeared on suspicion of hit-and-run injury and displaying a weapon, according to court records.

Witnesses called 911 at about 5:30 p.m. Saturday to report a hit-and-run near Northeast Andresen Road and Padden Parkway involving a maroon sport-utility vehicle and motorcycle, according to a probable cause affidavit.

The motorcyclist, identified as 20-year-old Kevin Ellis, told police he was driving south on Andresen Road when the driver in the maroon vehicle drove close to him and passed in front of him. Ellis said he drove around the SUV and positioned himself in front of it. The SUV then swerved around him and the driver slammed on the brakes, causing Ellis to hit the back of the SUV with his body and motorcycle, the affidavit states.

Ellis said he got up and went to the passenger’s side window of the SUV, and the driver, later identified by police as Sands, pointed a handgun at his face. Ellis ducked out of the way, he said, and the SUV drove onto the shoulder and turned west on Padden Parkway, according to court records.

Police observed abrasions on Ellis’ left shoulder and right knee. He declined medical treatment.

Three witnesses reported seeing the crash and said they saw Ellis approach the SUV and then suddenly duck and run away. One witness said there were no cars immediately in front of the SUV to cause it to suddenly stop, the affidavit states.

On Monday, Judge David Gregerson set Sands’ bail at $5,000. He did not qualify for a court-appointed attorney and must hire his own.

He will be arraigned Friday.