Captain Jason Berry
Government and Media Relations
(360) 596-4010 – office
(360) 596-4015 – fax
http://www.wsp.wa.gov
*** For Immediate Release***
Date:
August 7, 2011
Contact:
Julie Startup
Phone:
(425) 766-0812
E-mail:
Julie.Startup@wsp.wa.gov
Two BUI Arrests on the Same Boat
In just over four hours two drivers were arrested for BUI out of the same boat on Lake Washington.
During Seafair festivities this afternoon at 1:30pm the Impaired Operator Emphasis on Lake Washington stopped a boat for a “No Go Zone” violation. They arrested the operator, Joseph Dalrymple of Renton, on investigation of BUI. Dalrymple stated “I made arrangements to have a sober person with me so I could drink”
At 5:40pm this afternoon the same boat was stopped for a “No Wake Zone” violation and the operator, Thomas Hutchison of Newcastle, was arrested for investigation of BUI. During processing, Hutchison stated that the registered owner of the boat had been arrested for BUI earlier in the day. While checking records for earlier stops it was discovered that there was an earlier arrest for BUI from the very same boat.
Both operators were booked into the King County Jail.
Out of the 554 boats contacted there were 71 arrests BUI and 3 Minor in Possession charges. The multi agency emphasis, which included the Mercer Island Police Marine Patrol, Washington Department of Fisheries and Wildlife, Seattle Police & Harbor Patrol, King County Sherriff’s Office Marine Patrol, United States Coast Guard, and the Washington State Patrol, concluded at 7:00pm tonight.
Many officers and troopers said they experienced an increased number of designated drivers and people stating they “paid someone to drive” for them. Enforcement is making a difference in safety as many Seafair boaters are making safer choices and planning ahead for a sober operator.