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The Hoquiam Police Department says this morning, in a Social Media Post, that they received a call from a Farmers Market employee saying "a soaking wet subject had come in and advised his “car was in the river". The call was about 5:17 AM, and Upon arrival, officers contacted a 37-year-old Hoquiam man who said he was on his way to work when he believes he lost consciousness and the next thing he knew, he and his 2009 Toyota Tacoma were in the river. He said he swam to shore and went to the market for help.
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Evidence at the scene indicated the truck left the roadway in the middle of the 2000 block of Sumner Avenue. The vehicle made a slight left turn and then continued straight across 20th Street. It went up the dike, across the walkway, through the wooden fence, and then launched into the Hoquiam River. The vehicle completely cleared the bank and landed in the water. The driver said he was able to get out and swim to shore, but his truck sank somewhere downstream.
The driver agreed to take voluntary field sobriety tests at the scene. Officers could find no sign of impairment. At this time it is believed the driver may have suffered a medical event, however the investigation is ongoing. Fortunately, other than being wet and cold, the driver was not injured. Hoquiam Fire Department personnel responded to the scene, however the driver declined their services.
The truck has not yet been located. The Washington State Department of Ecology was notified due to possible environmental concerns and the US Coast Guard was notified in the event the vehicle becomes a hazard to navigation. This morning, officers will be working on locating and recovering the vehicle with the assistance of the other agencies.
No citations have been issued to the driver as of yet. A determination of charges will be made once the investigation is complete.