Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
February 2, 2011
Contact:
Julie Startup
Phone:
(425) 766-0812
E-mail:
Julie.Startup@wsp.wa.gov
2 Alcohol Related Bookings in 3 Days Results in High Bail
A Kent man facing a May 2010 DUI charge was booked in jail when he appeared in a King County courtroom on January 26th after consuming alcohol, and was arrested 3 days later for suspicion of DUI.
Somphong Phiengkham appeared in a Burien Courtroom on January 26th to make an appearance on a DUI charge stemming from the May 11th arrest. Mr. Phiengkham showed signs of intoxication and smelled of alcohol, and was ordered into custody by the judge and booked into King County Jail for being in violation of the condition of his release from the DUI charge. Bail was set at five thousand dollars and he bonded out later that day. On January 29th at 12:39 pm, Mr. Phiengkham was contacted after a 911 report of blocking a disabled vehicle southbound Interstate 405 at South East 8th Street. During the course of the contact, Mr. Phiengkham was determined to be impaired and taken into custody for investigation of DUI. He was booked into King County Jail for driving while his license was suspended, and DUI.
Due to his arrest on January 26th, a thirty thousand dollar bail was set. Mr. Phiengkham appeared in front of a judge today and an additional fifty thousand dollar bail was set for violating the conditions of his release. Mr. Pheingkham is currently in custody.
DUI enforcement continues to be a main focus for the Washington State Patrol in keeping roadways safe and reducing fatality collisions. As the Super Bowl weekend approaches drivers are urged to make safe choices if they choose to drink. Plan for a designated driver, taxi or use public transportation to ensure a safe trip home after the game. Troopers and officers will be proactively working traffic enforcement on Super Bowl Sunday in hopes of reducing fatal and injury collisions.