On June 9, 2019 at 12:59 a.m. the Hoquiam Police and Fire departments were dispatched to a collision in the 1900 block of Riverside Avenue.  Officers were advised a vehicle had left the roadway and struck a power pole. 

Upon arrival, officers located the collision.  The vehicle had failed to negotiate the turn from Sumner Avenue onto Riverside Avenue.  It then struck the curb and continued going straight, striking several signs for the Hoquiam Farmers Market and Jay’s Farm Stand before colliding with a power pole, causing damage to the pole.  There was extensive damage to the vehicle and the air bags deployed. 

A man was standing next to the driver’s door but denied being involved in the collision or having any knowledge of it.  He claimed he had been walking by when he came across it.  Evidence at the scene indicated he had been the driver of the vehicle.  There was also indications the man was under the influence of alcohol. 

He denied having any identification with him and provided a name to the officers that returned to someone with a suspended driver’s license and outstanding warrants.  Upon arresting him, officers located the man’s identification in his pocket.  He had provided a false name to the officers.  His true identity showed him to be the registered owner of the car involved.  The keys to the vehicle were also in his pocket.  He later admitted to giving his cousin’s name. 

The man, a 32 year old Hoquiam resident, was processed for DUI and then booked into the Hoquiam City Jail on charges of DUI and Making a False or Misleading Statement to a Public Official.