by Tahlia Ganser
MOUNT VERNON — The 64-year-old Burlington man facing two charges of vehicular homicide and an assault in connection with an Oct. 1 accident that left two dead and a third injured, pleaded not guilty Friday in Skagit County Superior Court.
Philip Brown, a former airline pilot, is accused of causing a two-vehicle, two-motorcycle accident on Highway 20 east of Sedro-Woolley while under the influence of alcohol.
One motorcyclist died at the scene, and a driver of a vehicle died later in a hospital. Another motorcyclist was injured.
Court documents say Brown crossed 3 feet over the center line, striking a Buick head on. Two motorcyclists were also entangled in the crash.
Brown’s blood alcohol level tested at .13. The law considers a person intoxicated at .08, according to court documents.
Brown remains out of jail on $25,000 bail. He is set to appear in court again Dec. 19, and his trial was set for Jan. 26.
Judge Michael Rickert ordered Brown to stay in the state of Washington. He is prohibited from driving, as well as drinking any alcohol.
