A 40-year-old Kent man was arrested on suspicion of DUI and hit and run after allegedly striking another vehicle at a gas station on South 212th Street and fleeing the scene Tuesday, May 20 at around Noon, according to the Kent Police Department.
Police said Officers Piek and Sherwood responded after a 29-year-old Kent man called 911 to report that another driver had hit his vehicle and driven away. The victim briefly caught up with the suspect and made contact before the driver allegedly fled again.
According to police, the victim was able to provide officers with the suspect’s license plate number and a physical description of the driver.
Officers traced the vehicle, described as a 2008 teal Camry, to a Kent address and responded to the location with the victim’s description and a driver’s license photo of the registered owner. Police said the suspect later drove into the parking lot in the Camry, which had recent damage consistent with the reported collision.
The driver admitted being at the gas station but denied committing a hit and run, police said. While speaking with him, officers reported smelling a strong odor of intoxicants coming from the vehicle.
Police said officers also observed a half empty six pack of beer on the floorboard, including one open bottle in plain view. The driver initially denied drinking and told officers he had just purchased the beer at the gas station. He later admitted consuming one beer, according to police.
The suspect participated in field sobriety tests, which police said indicated impairment. He was arrested, and breath samples later showed his blood alcohol level was nearly twice the legal limit, according to police.
The man was booked into jail for investigation of DUI and hit and run.
Kent Police also used the incident to warn drivers about the dangers of impaired driving during daytime hours.
“We don’t normally encourage victims to chase after suspects,” police said in a statement. “It worked out this time, but it’s dangerous. We are thankful the suspect was not inclined to violence, AND that the accident did not involve injury.”
Police added:
“Today’s we encourage you to be vigilant when you drive. Day drinking is a real thing. Intoxicated drivers do not restrict themselves to evenings.”
Photos courtesy Kent Police Department.
