Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
April 16, 2010
Contact:
Trooper Brandy Kessler, Tacoma
Phone:
(253) 606-1796
E-mail:
brandy.kessler@wsp.wa.gov
WSP Smokey3 Catches DUI Crash on Tape on State Route 16
Today at 6:09 p.m., motorists began reporting an erratically driven vehicle westbound SR-16 in the area of the Tacoma Narrows bridge. WSP aircraft, Smokey3, was near Lakewood as part of the DART (DUI Arial Response Team) patrol and responded to the area. Troopers in the aircraft were able to talk directly with the 9-1-1 cell caller that was following the erratic vehicle. Smokey3 arrived on scene near mile post 15 and began observing irregular and unsafe lane travel. As ground units were attempting to overtake the suspect vehicle, the crew in Smokey 3 witnessed the suspect vehicle leave the lane of travel towards the center median. The suspect vehicle was prevented from crossing through the center median and striking east bound motorists by a wire cable barrier. The suspect vehicle then crossed the westbound lanes of travel coming to a stop on the right side shoulder.
A 48 year old Port Orchard woman who was driving the vehicle was arrested for DUI. It is believed the woman had taken prescription medication that was marked with labels warning against driving after taking them.
You too can find yourself under arrest for DUI if you drive under the influence of ANY type of medication, whether it is prescribed or over the counter, that impairs and affects your driving. Always read your prescription medication when it is prescribed and read the labels on any over the counter drugs. Driving under the influence of medication can be just as deadly as driving under the influence of alcohol. If you witness a vehicle driving erratically you are encouraged to use your cell phone to make an emergency call of this nature and like in this case you may be the one to aid in the arrest of a drunk driver by talking with the aircraft troopers.
Video of the incident from Smokey3 is available by contacting Trooper Jon Ames at 360-561-8763.