Driver ‘At Wrong Place At Wrong Time’

It wasn’t Richard Smith’s day.

A Spokane County sheriff’s deputy totaled Smith’s Toyota Cressida when the officer lost control of his car during a chase Monday through the Spokane Valley.

Then, Washington State Patrol officers investigating the accident smelled alcohol on Smith’s breath and arrested the Spokane man, 37, for drunken driving.

“The guy was at the wrong place at the wrong time,” said sheriff’s spokesman David Wiyrick.

A passenger, Jennifer Anderson of Cheney, was treated and released at Valley Hospital and Medical Center for minor neck and back injuries. Another passenger refused treatment. Smith wasn’t hurt.

Sheriff’s Sgt. Greg Barkley wouldn’t release the name of the deputy, who’s been on the force 14 years.

The accident occurred about 6:30 p.m. at Argonne and Grace. The deputy was chasing a motorcyclist who was speeding and running stop signs on Grace.

The motorcyclist turned north on Argonne. The pursuing deputy took the turn too wide, hitting Smith’s car, which was headed south on Argonne. The motorcyclist got away.

The Toyota’s grille was smashed and an axle was tweaked. The officer’s car was less seriously damaged and the officer was unhurt.

The WSP will investigate the accident, Barkley said.

, DataTimes