Man faults brakes for head-on crash

A Spokane man arrested after a head-on collision on Trent Avenue on Wednesday told police he’d drunk two beers but that his brakes may have failed when he crossed into oncoming traffic, according to new court documents. Sherroll G. Hooper, 52, was released from jail on his own recognizance Thursday after appearing before Superior Court Judge Sam Cozza on a vehicular assault charge. Hooper told police the brakes on his 2004 Chevrolet pickup may have failed “and maybe his floor mat became stuck under the brake pedal” when he slammed into an eastbound 1998 Infiniti about noon, according to a probable-cause affidavit prepared by Washington Sate Patrol. The Infiniti’s driver, David P. Daul, 54, of Nine Mile Falls, was airlifted from the crash with a broken leg and possible broken left arm, WSP said. He was treated at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center and released. Hooper’s pickup also struck a westbound 1998 Ford pickup driven by Harry E. Larrison, 71, of Spokane, who suffered “very minor neck pain,” according to the affidavit. After his arrest, “Hooper lowered his head and said ‘I hope the people are okay,’ ” according to the affidavit.