September 24, 2009 in City

Police sergeant in DUI crash on paid leave

Meghann M. Cuniff The Spokesman-Review

Spokane police Sgt. Brad Thoma.
(Full-size photo)

A Spokane police sergeant accused of driving under the influence and possible hit and run has been placed on paid administrative leave.

Bradley N. Thoma, who has been with the Spokane Police Department since October 1989, makes $91,141 per year.

Thoma, 44, appeared in Spokane County District Court today with defense lawyer Rob Cossey after being cited and released for misdemeanor DUI following a hit-and-run crash at Newport Highway and Farwell Road about 5 p.m., said Sgt. Dave Reagan, Spokane County Sheriff’s Office spokesman.

The victim, Sherry L. Prickett, 51, of Spokane, was stopped at a red light on Farwell when her Ford Ranger was rear-ended by a Dodge Ram pickup driven by Thoma, officials said.

Prickett, who was not injured, and another witness followed Thoma as he fled east on Farwell to Market and turned north. Prickett and the witness told authorities that the Dodge crossed the centerline and drove onto the shoulder of the roadway numerous times.

Deputies stopped Thoma at Market and Highway 206, and he was released to the Washington State Patrol for processing as a DUI suspect, Reagan said.

Chief Anne Kirkpatrick placed Thoma on leave this afternoon, said police spokeswoman Jennifer DeRuwe.

Eight comments on this story so far. Add yours!

Lewis on September 24 at 6:06 p.m.
drive drunk commit a hit and run and get a paid vacation only at the spokane police department.

no cop if worth 91 grand a year.

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westside on September 24 at 6:31 p.m.
Typical of Boss Hog's crew. “I'm innocnent”! PROVE IT! Arrogant! ” I'm a police officer!” I am above the law!! BAC of twice the legal drunk driving level. $91,000 a year and he's one of the rank and file…no wonder Verner is saying a $6 mill deficit in the works.. Spokane police dept needs a house cleaning…they ARE above the law. Ya and payed leave till next year when he goes to trial….city employees have the very best of everything…hands down…ad nauseum

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Rifleman_Dodd on September 24 at 6:35 p.m.
BAC reported to be .171 I think. TWICE the legal limit.

I bet he tries to get indigent status like Karl Thompson so we can pay his legal fees.

$91K for a loser.

I bet he relishes being on the other side of a breathlyzer.

ha ha ha Karma. What comes around, goes around.

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westside on September 24 at 6:36 p.m.
Typical of Boss Hog's crew. “I'm innocnent”! PROVE IT! Arrogant! ” I'm a police officer!” I am above the law!! BAC of twice the legal drunk driving level. $91,000 a year and he's one of the rank and file…no wonder Verner is saying a $6 mill deficit in the works.. Spokane police dept needs a house cleaning…they ARE above the law. Ya and payed leave till next year when he goes to trial….city employees have the very best of everything…hands down…ad nauseam

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spoketucky on September 24 at 8:00 p.m.
$91,000 almost buys three new teachers in Washington.

Otto Zehm made about $15,000 a year. He would have needed to live and work another six years to haul in what his killer steals from the taxpayers in a year.

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garfnagn on September 24 at 8:25 p.m.
91 K for a sergeant who gets hammered and wrecks at 5pm. Your tax dollars at work.

Gee, sarge, skipping out of work a little early?

His quote to the arresting officer: “She was holding her steering wheel in a threatening manner.”

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Pat OLeary on September 25 at 6:00 a.m.
Paid administrative leave….another of Spokane's Finest takes the city for a ride. Next will be the suit filed for damages to his reputation caused by the unjustified suspension. How long is this case going to last? A year…two years? Matters not since he is getting full pay. Way to get tough Chief! Oh, oh, I just happened to think…he has 20 years in and will probably get his retirement about the time he is found not guilty by reason of being a cop. Oh Lord…life is sweet on the SPD.

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seriuoslydisturbed on September 29 at 9:04 a.m.
I say karma bites………..Brad Thoma is an A— Hole with small mans complex.He's been strong arming his way through our town for 20 years.Hopefully this will put an end to his antics and his career!!!

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