Issaquah police say 22-year-old Tyler Sorensen followed and deliberately struck coworker Jonathon Langdon’s motorcycle on July 31, killing the 20-year-old. Surveillance footage and court documents indicate the attack was motivated by jealousy after Sorensen saw Langdon hug a female coworker. Sorensen allegedly sent frantic texts after the crash, later surrendered, pleaded not guilty to second-degree murder, and is being held on $2 million bail.
Costco Employee Arrested, Charged With Second-Degree Murder After Alleged Jealous Parking-Lot Attack
Surveillance footage of Tyler Sorensen ramming into coworker Jonathon Langdon's motorcycle on July 31Credit: King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
A 22-year-old former Costco employee has been arrested and charged with second-degree murder after police say he deliberately struck a coworker’s motorcycle in a fit of jealousy, killing the 20-year-old rider.
What Happened
Issaquah Police say that on the evening of July 31, Tyler Sorensen followed fellow Costco employee Jonathon Langdon out of the store's parking lot and swerved his sedan into Langdon’s motorcycle at about 9 p.m., according to court documents and local news reports. Surveillance footage reviewed by investigators reportedly shows Sorensen’s vehicle striking the motorcycle, sending Langdon airborne and causing him to strike a metal signpost.
Responders performed lifesaving measures at the scene, but Langdon, 20, was pronounced dead. Police said Langdon was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash.
Image of an Issaquah Police Department vehicleCredit: Issaquah Police Department
Alleged Motive And Evidence
Authorities and prosecutors say Sorensen followed Langdon after witnessing him hug a female coworker with whom Sorensen was reportedly infatuated. Court documents quote Sorensen as telling detectives he intentionally struck the motorcycle in a moment of anger. In one alleged statement he told investigators, "It was stupid but I, I meant to do it," while also telling officers he had only wanted to "spook him."
Police also cite text messages Sorensen allegedly sent friends: 'My blood is boiling' and 'I f---ed up bad.' Prosecutors say he had sent a photo of the coworkers hugging to friends prior to the collision.
Prosecutors further allege Sorensen nearly struck both Langdon and the female coworker earlier in the Costco parking lot, then waited roughly 10 minutes for Langdon to leave before following him. After the impact, Sorensen reportedly fled the scene, drove home, briefly stopped to check his vehicle, and was issued a speeding ticket shortly afterward. An hour later, when his father learned of the crash, Sorensen returned and surrendered to authorities, prosecutors say.
Legal Proceedings
Sorensen, 22, pleaded not guilty to a charge of second-degree murder at his arraignment on Aug. 6. A judge set bail at $2 million and issued a no-contact order prohibiting him from contacting Langdon’s family, the female coworker, or any eyewitnesses. He remains held in the King County Jail and is due back in court on Aug. 27. Prosecutors say their case relies on video evidence, witness statements, and Sorensen’s own admissions in court papers.
PEOPLE has reached out to Costco for comment. The Issaquah Police Department and local news outlets including KOMO News and the New York Post are cited in court filings and media coverage of the case.
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