One killed, four injured in head-on collision

A 73-year-old Deer Park woman was killed Wednesday and four others were injured in a head-on crash on Nine Mile Road.

The collision occurred about 4 p.m., about a mile south of Charles Road, the Washington State Patrol said.

Mary J. Schellhammer was northbound on the highway in a 2006 Toyota Corolla when she crossed the centerline on a curve and collided with a southbound 2006 Honda Accord. She was taken to Deaconess Medical Center, where she died from her injuries, WSP said.

The driver of the Honda, Sarah L. Wilson, 28, was taken to Deaconess, where she was in serious condition.

A passenger, Jennifer Eickstadt, 39, and two children ages 14 and 16 were transported to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center with injuries, WSP said. Their conditions were unavailable Wednesday. A 3-year-old passenger was uninjured.

The road was blocked for several hours in both directions.

Sara Leaming

Motorcyclist’s condition serious after driving off road

A Hunters, Wash., man was seriously injured Tuesday night when the motorcycle he was riding went off state Highway 25 at the Hunters city limits, state troopers said.

William A. Spencer, 59, was airlifted to Deaconess Medical Center after the 10:30 p.m. accident. He was in serious condition Wednesday night.

Washington State Patrol troopers said Spencer was headed north on a 1997 Suzuki motorcycle at a high speed when he lost control and left the roadway, going into a steep ditch. He was thrown from the bike.

Spencer was not wearing a helmet, and troopers said they believe drugs or alcohol may have been a factor in the crash. He also did not have a motorcycle endorsement.

Troopers said charges related to the speed and lack of helmet and endorsement were being sought.

Mike Prager

Police say fight over woman led to ex-boyfriend’s arrest

A 24-year-old Spokane man was in jail Wednesday on one count of first-degree assault following an altercation downtown with his ex-girlfriend’s new male companion, police said.

Jeffrey B. Beaulac reportedly followed the woman late Tuesday to a Conoco gas station at Second Avenue and Maple Street where she was meeting her new boyfriend. Beaulac got out of his car and confronted the man, and the two wrestled to the ground, police said.

When the boyfriend saw that Beaulac had a knife, he backed away and got into his car, police said. He then noticed blood on his shirt and a stab wound to his stomach.

The victim drove himself to Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center.

Police went to Beaulac’s residence and took him into custody. He was booked into Spokane County Jail.

Mike Prager

Driver cited for negligence, studded tires after crash

A man driving with studded tires caused a three-car crash Wednesday on U.S. Highway 2 near Newport, according to Washington State Patrol.

Joshua R. Wooley-Harvey, 21, of Elk, was eastbound when he slammed into the back of another car, WSP reported.

Larry D. Moore, 47, of Newport, was attempting to turn left into a driveway when Wooley-Harvey hit him six miles west of Newport, WSP said.

Wooley-Harvey’s car then went into oncoming traffic, striking a westbound car driven by Holly L. Edwards, 18, of Usk, Wash., WSP said.

The three drivers were transported to hospitals, but none of the injuries was considered life threatening.

Wooley-Harvey was cited for negligent driving and driving with studded tires out of season.

Washington requires drivers to remove studded tires by April 1.

Meghann M. Cuniff