Early Monday morning, Aug. 5, 2024, a Kent Patrol Officer arrested a 30-year-old Pacific resident for driving under the influence (DUI) with a three-year-old child unrestrained in the back seat.

The incident occurred around 2:40 a.m. at the intersection of Kent Des Moines Road (KDM) and W. Meeker Street.

Officer De Var was stationed behind a tow truck with emergency lights activated when a Mustang nearly collided with the tow truck and driver. Despite ample time and space to safely move to the right, the Mustang came dangerously close to hitting the truck.

The officer promptly pulled over the vehicle. The driver, who smelled heavily of alcohol, left the car in drive, causing it to lurch forward as she reached for her documents. She failed the field sobriety tests and was unable to follow instructions. Additionally, she had no driver’s license or insurance.

Making matters worse, a three-year-old child was found in the back seat without a car seat. Officer De Var took the driver into custody, booking her for DUI and Reckless Endangerment DV for endangering her unbelted child. She was also cited for driving without a license, without insurance, and failure to yield to the tow truck.

“We are very thankful that the driver did not strike the tow driver, and that Officer De Var was able to pull over the car before a tragedy happened,” police said. “This could have gone very differently. Please stop drinking and driving.”

The Kent Police Department urges anyone who finds themselves intoxicated and driving to seek help. The crisis line 988 is available for those needing assistance and resources.

The child was unharmed and safely returned to a family member.

Scott Schaefer

Founder/Publisher/Editor. Three-time National Emmy Award winning Writer (“Bill Nye the Science Guy”), Director, Producer, Journalist and more...