Despite widespread warnings about extra law enforcement patrols targeting intoxicated drivers, the Kent Police Department announced that they arrested multiple individuals for driving under the influence during the early hours of New Year’s Day.
The arrests underscore the importance of making responsible decisions while celebrating, officials said.
Summary of arrests:
- Driver #1: A 26-year-old Seattle man was arrested around 1:08 a.m. after attempting an unsuccessful U-turn at 104th and 204th, striking another vehicle in the process. Officers discovered empty beer bottles in his car, and his blood alcohol content (BAC) was measured at .15, nearly twice the legal limit.
- Driver #2: At 2:08 a.m., a 54-year-old Kent woman was pulled over for speeding but failed to stop immediately. When she did, she asked the officer, “y’all got a quarter,” as the smell of alcohol surrounded her. She later rolled her vehicle into the officer’s patrol car because she failed to put it in park. Refusing to provide a breath sample, the woman, who has a prior DUI conviction, was arrested.
- Driver #3: At 2:45 a.m., a 32-year-old Kent man ran a red light, nearly colliding with a patrol car. He admitted to drinking and thought it was still 11 p.m. A breath test revealed his BAC at .18, over twice the legal limit. Based on his weight of 160 pounds, officers estimated he had consumed at least 7–8 drinks.
- Driver #4: A 30-year-old Auburn woman was reported at 4:50 a.m. for loitering and becoming aggressive at a fast-food drive-thru. Upon attempting to flee the scene, she scraped the responding officer’s car and was stopped using a PIT maneuver. Wearing a swimsuit-type outfit in near-freezing temperatures, the woman was uncooperative and incapable of providing a breath sample. A blood draw was conducted under a judge’s warrant.
“These four drivers should be profoundly thankful for their arrests,” police said in a statement. “They were stopped before they caused a serious accident, and before they hurt or killed someone. Stop driving intoxicated. Be responsible and arrange rides when you plan to drink or use drugs. Can’t stop? Get some help. Call 988 and speak to a trained call receiver for support and resources.”
Kent Police emphasized the ongoing commitment of law enforcement to reducing impaired driving fatalities under the Target Zero initiative, which aims to eliminate traffic deaths in Washington by 2030.
Police also encourage all drivers to know their limits – check out a blood alcohol chart here.
