Pierce County Driver Charged with DUI Fatality
Tacoma, Wash. – A 32-year-old driver has been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) after a fatal collision that killed a 46-year-old man last week in Pierce County. According to the Washington State Patrol, the incident occurred on State Route 16 near Buckley on May 11. The suspect, identified as Tyler Smith, was driving a pickup truck eastbound when he crossed the center line and struck a motorcycle driven by the victim, Joseph White. White was pronounced dead at the scene. Smith was taken into custody and transported to a hospital for a blood draw. Toxicology results later revealed that Smith had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.16 at the time of the crash, which is twice the legal limit. Smith has been charged with vehicular homicide, DUI, and reckless driving. He made his first appearance in court on Tuesday, where he pleaded not guilty. The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office says that this is the second fatal DUI crash in the county so far this year. Authorities are reminding drivers to never drive while intoxicated and to always designate a sober driver or use a ride-sharing service. The victim’s family and friends have released a statement expressing their grief and calling for justice.Elma Driver Faces Vehicular Homicide Charge in Fatal Three-Vehicle Crash
Elma Driver Faces Vehicular Homicide Charge in Fatal Three-Vehicle Crash
Matthew Geiger, 37, an Elma driver, has been charged with vehicular homicide for his alleged role in a three-vehicle crash that resulted in the death of a 46-year-old man. The crash occurred on June 5 on State Route 410 near Sumner. According to prosecutors, Geiger was driving his Chevrolet Blazer SUV north on State Route 167 when he left the roadway and entered the median. Geiger’s vehicle then allegedly struck Jesse Schweickert’s Honda Pilot, which was traveling west on State Route 410 and was taking the southbound State Route 167 exit. A third vehicle, a white Ford driven by a woman, struck Geiger’s vehicle after the initial crash, causing it to roll. Charging documents state that Geiger appeared confused and dazed at the scene. He denied consuming alcohol or drugs, but a preliminary breath test indicated his blood alcohol content was 0.157, above the legal limit of .08 in Washington. Investigators determined that Schweickert, a Buckley man, died as a result of the crash. Geiger was arrested and taken to a local hospital for his injuries. He is scheduled to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on August 3.Pierce County deputies have arrested a 22-year-old man in connection with a fatal hit-and-run crash that killed a 46-year-old man last week. The suspect was driving under the influence of alcohol when he struck the victim, who was walking along the side of the road, according to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The suspect fled the scene but was later located by deputies. He has been charged with vehicular homicide and hit-and-run. The crash remains under investigation.
