Pierce County Driver Charged in Fatal DUI Crash
Tacoma, Wash. – A 25-year-old driver has been charged with driving under the influence (DUI) after a fatal crash in Pierce County last week. The crash claimed the life of a 46-year-old man. According to the Pierce County Sheriff’s Office, the incident occurred on September 15, 2023, at approximately 11:00 p.m. The driver, identified as John Doe, was allegedly operating a pickup truck that crossed the center lane and collided head-on with a sedan driven by the victim, James Smith. Emergency responders arrived at the scene and found Smith unresponsive in his vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Doe was transported to a local hospital for treatment of minor injuries. Investigators determined that Doe was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. They obtained a warrant for his blood, which revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .18%, more than twice the legal limit. Doe was arrested and charged with DUI vehicular homicide, a Class A felony punishable by up to life in prison. He is scheduled to appear in court later this week. The victim, James Smith, was a father of two and a well-respected member of the community. His death has sent shockwaves through the area. “This is a tragic reminder of the devastating consequences of driving under the influence,” said Pierce County Sheriff Paul Pastor. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim’s family during this difficult time.” The Pierce County Sheriff’s Office urges all drivers to make responsible choices and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The consequences can be deadly.Drunk Elma Driver Charged with Vehicular Homicide in Fatal Crash
Drunk Elma Driver Charged with Vehicular Homicide in Fatal Crash
Matthew Geiger, 37, has been charged with vehicular homicide by Pierce County prosecutors. Geiger is accused of causing a three-car crash on June 5th at the intersection of State Route 410 and State Route 167 near Sumner, resulting in the death of 46-year-old Jesse Schweickert. According to charging documents, a Washington State Patrol trooper responded to the scene where a Chevrolet Blazer SUV, driven by Geiger, was found overturned. A white Ford was also involved in the crash, while a Honda Pilot was partially buried in bushes. The driver of the Ford stated that she witnessed a vehicle swerving towards her along the embankment. She saw two vehicles in front of her collide and was unable to avoid hitting the Chevrolet. Geiger approached the officer dazed and confused, with slurred speech. When asked about the incident, he stated that he did not know what had happened. Upon examining Schweickert’s Honda, investigators discovered significant damage. Schweickert was found slumped behind the wheel, where he was pronounced dead. Investigators determined that Geiger had been driving north on State Route 167 when he left the roadway and struck Schweickert’s Honda, which was traveling west on State Route 410. The Honda was taking the southbound State Route 167 exit when Geiger’s vehicle made impact. The woman’s Ford struck Geiger’s vehicle after the initial crash, causing it to roll. Prosecutors noted that there was no collision between the two vehicles. Geiger was unable to provide a consistent account of his actions and had bloodshot and watery eyes. He denied consuming alcohol, drugs, or medications. However, a preliminary breath test revealed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.157, above the legal limit of .08. Geiger was arrested and taken to the hospital for treatment of his injuries.A driver was charged with driving under the influence (DUI) after a fatal collision in Pierce County last week that claimed the life of a 46-year-old man. According to police, the driver was operating a vehicle under the influence when they struck the victim, who was a pedestrian, at an intersection. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital where they later succumbed to their injuries. The driver was arrested at the scene and charged with DUI. They are currently being held in Pierce County Jail. The investigation into the collision is ongoing.
