Police seek suspect in fatal crash

A reward is being offered for tips that help arrest a man accused of causing a one-car crash Feb. 10 that killed a passenger.

Lyle David Eutsler, 26, was believed to be intoxicated and speeding when he crashed his red Mazda MX-6 into a tree while eastbound on Magnesium Road approaching Market Street.

Deputies arrived to find Eutsler dragging himself away from the driver’s door while two women remained trapped inside the crumpled car. One, 42-year-old Tina L. Patterson, died of her injures about 45 minutes later.

Police said Eutsler, who they estimate was driving 56-59 mph in the 35 mph zone, smelled of alcohol and had to be physically restrained because he was yelling and out of control. He later told a detective he wasn’t driving.

A felony charge of vehicular homicide was filed against Eutsler this month after toxicology reports showed his blood-alcohol level to be 0.12 and indicated he’d recently smoked marijuana.

Police believe Eutsler may have fled Spokane. He may be driving a black 1987 Ford Thunderbird with Washington license plate ABP4206. They believe he may be selling plasma for money.

Eutsler’s parents live in the 1000 block of East Olympic Avenue. He has a friend who lives on Wabash Avenue near the NorthTown Mall, and his wife or ex-wife lives in the 7100 block of East Ninth Avenue in Spokane Valley, according to the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office.

Anyone with information is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS or submit tips online.